Dagger (chilanum)

Public Domain

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Images(3)

Artist Unknown

CultureIndian

Titles

Dagger (chilanum)

Datelate 17th–mid-18th century

MediumSteel, gold and iron

DimensionsOverall: 13 1/16 × 3 3/8 in. (33.2 × 8.6 cm)
Dagger: 13 1/16 in. (33.2 cm)
Hilt: 3 3/8 × 4 1/2 in. (8.6 × 11.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number2015.580.A,.B

Current Location

The Caroline Wiess Law Building

113 Islamic Art Gallery

On view

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Department

Art of the Islamic Worlds

Object Type

WEAPONS & ARMAMENTS

DescriptionThe chilanum was used by Maratha warriors who served the Deccani kingdoms of central India. The powerful recurved blade of the narrow, polished steel multi-fullers and armor-piercing tip are typical of the chilanum form. The iron hilt is lavishly inlaid and overlaid with gold in the koftgari technique.
ProvenanceThe Richard R. Wagner Jr. Collection; [Simon Ray Limited, London]; purchased by MFAH, 2015.
Exhibition HistoryHiggins Armory Museum, Worcester, Massachusetts, September–December 1994.
Published References Robert Elgood, "Rajput Arms and Armour. The Rathores and their Armoury at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur." 2 vols. Forthcoming, 2015-16. Oliver S. Pinchot, "Arms of the Paladins: The Richard R. Wagner Jr. Collection of Fine Eastern Weapons," 2014, p. 46, fig. 3-87.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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