The Khanjarli

The Khanjarli dagger has a remarkable history, especially in South India, and is distinguished by its significant lunette-shaped pommel and distinctive recurved blade. While some academics speculate that it may have originated in Orissa given the region’s substantial ivory industry during its use, the origins of this type of dagger are thought to be in the Vizianagaram region.

They appear in literature for the first time in Egerton, who thought they were from Vizianagaram (1). Elgood contends that Orissa, which at the period had a major ivory industry, is more likely to be the source of the ivory-plated versions in particular (2).

The first image depicts an 18th-century Khanjarli, a traditional dagger known for its distinctive curved blade. This particular Khanjarli is crafted from wootz steel. The blade features a fluted design and mirror-polished edges. The handle is made from bone and accented with ivory scales, providing an elegant appearance. The guard, which extends into a knuckle guard, includes a possible bird motif, adding an artistic and symbolic element to the piece. The overall design indicates that this dagger was not only a weapon but also a work of art from the 18th century.

The second image offers a close-up view of the hilt of the Khanjarli. The intricate details of the handle are highlighted. The handle is ergonomically shaped with a palm swell for a comfortable grip. The metal guard, extending into a knuckle guard, adding to the artistic value of the dagger but also doubling up as a weapon to punch with in close quarters combat, further emphasizing the destructive beauty of this piece.

Specifications:
- Weight: 350 grams
- Overall Length: 310mm
- Blade Length: 185mm

1. Elgood, Robert; Hindu Arms and Ritual, Eburon Academic Publishers, Delft, 2004. Pages 179 and 202.
2. Lord Egerton of Tatton; Indian and Oriental Arms and Armour.  Dover Publications; revised edition, 2002. Plate X and numbers 500, 501 and 504