Khanjar dagger from Rajasthan

The ‘khanjar’ is a type of dagger which originates in Persia and was widely adopted in most Islamic cultures. Besides its functional use, the ‘khanjar’ was also worn to indicate rank or social status. The more embellished, the higher the rank. Many Mughal rulers had a collection of ‘khanjar’ daggers with elaborately designs, precious materials such as jade, gold and gemstones.

The hilt:
Made out of two halfs welded together and lavishly decorated with gold overlay in northern style cartouches filled with tendrils and foliage. The hilt has an elegant I-shaped form and has an integrated guard protecting the fingers and holding the blade firmly in place.

Blade:
The curved double edged blade shows a flat surface of plain steel and which is filed on the edges. The blade starts as wide as the guard and extends to a sharp tip. A wooden scabbard was attached, but seems to be of a more recent production with colorful floral patterns which preserves the blade.