South Indian Chilanum dagger

The ‘Chilanum’ dagger has its origin in South India. The ‘Chilanum’ is a curved dagger, mostly double edged and with an distinghuised I-shaped hilt, usually made of steel. The origin of this shape lays in ancient India, but the form we know amongst todays antiques date roughly from the late 16th til 18th century. Most ‘Chilanum’ daggers are all-steel and have multi-fullered blades.

Our example:
Full steel with traditional hilt and additional knuckle guard. The center of the I-shaped hilt has a round bolster to provide a better grip. The dagger has an oval guard which is pierced. Inside the sloping triangle on the bottom of the hilt, a pierced lily appears which is an elegant addition to the hilt. The blade is multi fullered, double edged and shows a distinctive curve. The tip is reinforced to be able to penetrate through armor like chainmail.

The ‘Chilanum’ comes in its original wooden scabbard which was covered in green velvet and decorated with a driven silver finial depicting a sunflower surrounded by foliage.