Chase the Morning

art-of-swords:

The Chilanum

One of the most beautiful cutting edge weapons is an Indian dagger called chilanum. The first proofs of the chilanum’s use emerged in the 15th Century. The dagger was used during the times of Maratha (the kingdom of the Marathas, 1674-1818, was a state in central India).

The Chilanum has a broad, double-edged, double-curved blade and a pointy edge. The blades can either have a strong central ridge or be provided with a hollow rail. The total length of an average Chilanum is about 40 cm. There are also blades, which forks in two pointy edges.

The handles are usually shaped in the form of a stylized flower and made entirely of metal or they have a handle (grip), which is made of horn, jade or other precious materials. The blades are often engraved and gilded. The most striking part of the Chilanum it’s the knob, which has the shape of an open flower or bloom. 

(via gllitch)