Large Very Good Moplah Sword of the Coorg People

The Moplah sword is a sword/ Agricultural tool of the Kodava people resides in what is today Karnataka state in South West India. The British named the region "Coorgi", a corruption of "Kannada" the local word that means "hilly", the geographical formation of the region. It so happens that the Kodava people are named Coorg and the Moplah sword as well as the Ayda Katti its sister, are better known as Coorg weapons.

The Moplah is of a very peculiar sickle shape and reminds in a way an agricultural tool. But it is a real weapon and a deadly one in the experienced hands. Wide down curving double edge blade and pistol shaped grip.

The Moplah, like other Coorg weapons is one of the rarest swords of the Indian arsenal. Its rarity is a result of a punishment inflicted by the British administration on the Kodava people in 1884, when a huge number of weapons, including knives, swords and firearms were confiscated and dumped in the sea. See Below.

This exemplar is of large dimensions. 24 inches (61 cm) long compared 14-16 inches (37-40) cm long of more common Moplah. A slightly down curving double edges blade decorated with a single brass strip inlaid onto the steel. Horn handle with long steel bolster and collar.

Blade 16 inches (41cm) long 4 inches (10 cm) wide.  Total length 24 inches (61 (cm).  Good condition. Patinated blade with minor edges nicks No scabbard. Very impressive authentic and rare 19 C. sword

See also: Robert Elgood "Firearms of the Islamic World" P/ 184-185