Indian Fabric Armour Girdle or Peti with velvet and silk embroidery

A most interesting South Indian Fabric Armour. The use of fabric armour was popular throughout India, particularly in the South of the continent, the fabric helmets and cuirasses ‘peti’ often splendidly decorated, with a central filling of padded cotton and leather which records show were very effective in combatting sword cuts and even bullets. Most famously Tipu Sultan the tiger of Mysore fought in this kind of armour, a set of which survived the battle of Seringapatam and was sold at auction in 2005. This example is relatively thin although the leather and fabric would have provided some protection against edge cuts. The backing of patterned silk covers the main body of thick leather, with some slight central padding, the front is covered with bright red velvet embroidered in patterns with coloured silks. two double rows of silver rings allow the girdle to be worn around the waist, and a cord with metallic thread detail and a green semi precious stone form the means for tying it on. There is some minor wear to the front velvet mainly on the lugs holding the silver rings, and the silk backing survives in extremely fragile condition. 18th century, Mysore/South India.  The additional picture included shows a set of Tip Sultans personal body armour in the Royal Armouries Collection in Leeds with the related abdomen protection shown here