Heavy Chillanum

An early and characteristic Indian dagger from the Deccan plateau that is an adaption of the classical ‘Chillanum’.

A double-edged recurved tapering steel blade with multi fullers running the entire length, a pierced section above, and the hilt of waisted form splayed below to meet the shaped collar with Persian inspired down turned quillions    The grip with a central spiralling ball and a winged pommel with a top bulbous finial.  A slender finger-guard with lotus bud terminal.

Four similar daggers are in the Junagarh Fort Museum, Bikaneer.  Said to have been captured at Adoni in 1689.  See Elgood, 2004, page 178 (No.16.33-16.34).