Massive Indian Zulfiqar Tegha sword with serrated blade

A magnificent large! Indian sword with a most striking blade of fearsome proportions and weight. The blade is of heavy thick steel, deeply curved the edges to the front and back with large serrated teeth designed specifically to cause damage in combat, psychologically the weapon would have appeared most intimidating to the opposition. The even width of the upper blade expands greatly towards the tip, this has the additional feature of having an intentional split or separation from the point towards the hilt for approximately 10 inches, this is known as ‘zulfiqar’ or ‘Dhu al-Fiqar’  and refers to the sword of Ali which was split in battle, as such it is a symbol mainly used by the Shia Moslems and can be found on weapons, or emblems on flags or decoration throughout the islamic world. Here it is  presented in its most literal form, as a sword and would have been a strong visible sign of the allegiance of the bearer.  The hilt is of khanda form, with a large rounded handguard, and side guard to protect the fingers, the pommel with a large dished feature, long pommel spike of steel with some attractive chiselled and pierced work at its base. The langet fixing the hilt to the blade also has attractive lobed shaping, the grip area has some fabric covering, overall the sword is well balanced and clearly was made to be used. A number of similar swords have been both sold by Ashoka Arts over the years, and observed for sale elsewhere with small variations in hilt and minor features, it might be suggested that these large serrated zulfiqars were used by a particular unit in service, we have seen these with hilts clearly dating to the 18th century and would suggest that this example also dates to this period.35 inches overall approximately.  indo persian