17C. Bichuwa Dagger from the Deccan

The Bichuwa or Bichawa  is a dagger with a loop hilt and a narrow dual edged  lightly wavy  blade.  It is named for its resemblance to the sting of a scorpion, for which the Hindi name is bichuwa. The weapon originated in South India, and as it is being relatively easy to make it rapidly  spread all over the subcontinent,  and was in use well into  the 20th century as a weapon and as a decorative dagger.

The Bichwa dagger offered here is an early exemplar, 17 C. from the Deccan. Short heavy and deeply re-0curving  blade of diamond cross section. The loop handle is cast bronze sculptured with a idol figure.

Blade 5 inches. Total 10 inches. Good condition to age. Heavily patinated blade. Good age patina on the bronze loop handle, No scabbard.