Bichuwa
Bichuwa
Mysore (?), Deccan - South India
18th – 19th century
Steel
Blade: 19,7cm
Hilt & Blade: 29,2cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2016
Collection Number: 61
Ex. UK Art Market (2019)
A bichuwa dagger from the Deccan or Southern India. This example may be from the Mysore area, but it is uncertain. It's named for its resemblance to the sting of a scorpion, from which its Hindi name derives from. A simple construction of a double- edged recurved steel blade with a raised central plane. There is a thickened ricasso at the base. Held by a looped steel hand guard fastened by two rivets at the langlet. It is missing its pommel finial and sheath. Devoid of any decoration, its form is quite deadly and effective. One of the many unique arms from the Indian arsenal.
[1] W. O. Oldman. “Illustrated Catalogue of Ethnographic Specimens”. January 1905: List No. 22; Item #29 (2492)
[2] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31722
[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4158