18 C. Bichuwa (Bichwa) Dagger with Wootz Blade

The Bichuwa or Bichawa  is a dagger with a loop hilt and a narrow dual edged  lightly wavy  blade, sometimes just lightly curved 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, probably 18 C. from North India,  wholly, both blade and handle,  forged from watered (Wootz) steel with good pattern. Slightly curved blade. The loop handle is finely decorated with Gold Koftgari work  and with gold inscription inlaid  on the face of the loop.

Blade 10 inches. Total 14 inches. Very good condition. Minor blackened spots on the blade. No scabbard.