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The National Museum has a fine collection of Indian weapons ranging
from the pre-historic period right up to the 19th century. Totalling
more than 7000 items, these include edged weapons, projectiles,
smashing weapons, armours for men and animals, ornamental, sacrificial
and ritual weapons and fire-arms and war accessories.
Bows and Arrows : These were in frequent use from hoary
past and have different varieties. Made of cane, bamboo, metal and
also those decorated with ivory, gold and silver are exhibited here.
The inscribed bow of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last ruler of Mughal
dynasty, is also on view.
Swords : The history of Indian sword goes back to very early
time as examplified by several sculptures, paintings and coins.
However, the earliest available swords of copper discovered from
the Harappan sites date back to 2300 B.C. After the discovery of
iron (c. 1000 B.C.), Indian swords show a wide and strange variety
of shapes. The types, design and the artistic decorations clearly
indicate the socio-economic conditions of the respective periods.
During the medieval period, there was a considerable ingenuity and
craftsmanship in manufacturing the arms and armour. But with the
establishment of Sultanate and later the Mughal rule in India, the
weapon underwent a significant change and we see some unique weapons
introduced during the period. The Persian sword Shamsheer, the Arabian
Zulfiqar and the Turkish Sailaba also appeared on the scene alongwith
the indigenous weapons. The enamelled sword of Jaipur, the Patta
of Marathas, the Khanda of Rajputs, the Dao of Assam and some sacrificial
and ceremonial weapons are other attractions on show. The showcase
of Historical Weapons containing the personal swords of Emperor
Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan, Nana Saheb Peshwa and Hamir Singh reminds
us the past history and their deeds.
Dagger : Dagger is a weapon with short lade designed for
thrusting and is used for close and hand to hand fighting. Its beginning
can be traced on the flint handaxes of the stone age. The kings
and royal nobles invariably kept a dagger with them for immediate
self defence. These were also used in hunting, games, exchange of
presents and domestic affairs. Like swords, daggers too are varied
in size and shape and can be identified with separate names such
as the Jamadhar, Jambia and Khanjar of Mughals, the Chura of Afghans,
the Khapwa of Rajputs, the Qurauli of Sikhs and the Khukari of Nepalis.
These are highly decorated with gold and silver and studded with
precious stone, and jewels. Many of these have ivory, jade, crystal,
and soapstone hilts and are adorned with calligraphy.
Armour : The use of armour was basically for defence purposes
from the thrust of swords, spears, or the fire arms. Shields was
the earliest moveable object for defence carried on the arm followed
by a helmet on the head, breast and back armour, Bazuband, foot
armour etc. During the medieval period, they were tastefully ornamented
by the royal princes and nobles of the age. There are armours for
the protection of animals also, which can be seen in the respective
showcases in the gallery. The inscribed shiel of Rana Sangram Singh
II and the chest plate consisting of the verses of the Bhagvata
can also be seen.
Spears and Javelins : Spear had its first appearance in
the late stone-age when leaf shaped small stone pieces were hafted
in wooden handles. Since then, these have been continuously in use
by the soldiers and others. The spears or javelins could be made
of reed, bamboo, wood, metal etc. with a pointed iron or stone blade.
The weapon was also used for ceremonial and ritual purpose.
Rajput, Maratha, Pahari and Sikh Weapons : The typical Maratha
weapons reveal the valour and bravery of the people who sacrificed
their lives for the country. Similarly, the Sikhs have played a
very vital role in defending the motherland. A few of these weapons
put on show are worth admiring. Besides these, Rajput, Sikh and
Pahari weapons were also used by the natives.
Fire Arms : The invention of gun powder in the early 14th
century A.D. opened a new chapter in the history of Indian arms.
During the period, both inflamable and explosive powers were used
in warfare. These were fire-weapons and not fire arms. In 1526,
Babur, the founder of Mughal dynasty in India had used cannons of
considerable size. These were drawn by bullocks, horses and camels.
During the course of time, shoulder fire arms were developed which
could be used by the individuals and so were produced matchlocks,
flint-locks, and percussioncap muzzle loading guns. Such fire arms
including pistols, revolvers and multi-barrelled short arms are
a few noteworthy specimens of this gallery. The gun powder flasks
enhance the beauty of the show cases. The Indian weapons, by and
large, are inscribed, damascened, enamelled and embellished in many
forms, and quite a few of them may be treated as excellent works
of art.
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