"Nandaka" (sword of Vishnu)

Culture Southern Indian , Kerala

Date1600s

Mediumsteel, silver, and iron

Dimensions76.2 × 63.5 × 12 cm (30 × 25 × 4 3/4 in.), 1 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.29

DescriptionUnsharpened, flat blade with right angle curve 3/4 down from hilt which straightens, becoming parallel to beginning of blade for last 4", gradually tapering to point. Double reinforcing plates with fluted edges on both sides near hilt, riveted to blade. 4 evenly spaced holes along "cutting edge", in 2 of them there remains small silver bells, originally there was probably 1 for each hole.

Iron hilt with flattened leaf-shaped crossguard, straight grip with shallow discoid pommel & elongated thimble button.

The bells are of silver and very finely made, with almost imperceptible roping at the mouth--they are probably made by a jeweler who produced ankle bells.
Label TextThe sword named Nandaka is one of the objects associated with the Hindu god Vishnu, the preserver. As with this example, such swords are generally made with thin blades that allow the metal to tremble and sound the bells attached to the edge. The roof-shaped hand-guard is a very old Indian style, seen as early as the 600s.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on April 20, 1931 from Fenton & Sons, Ltd., London, England. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

On View

Not on view

Collections