Think of Rajputs, and images of a prestigious warrior culture and splendorous living immediately come to mind. Walk through India’s many mu...
Think of Rajputs, and images of a prestigious warrior culture and splendorous living immediately come to mind. Walk through India’s many museums and the most characteristic objects in the exhibits on Rajputana culture are most likely be amour and armoury (unless, of course, one goes into the realm of stunning jewellery).
While these popular associations are quite fitting, what scholars find interesting is that Rajputs themselves were not very experimental in their weaponry – choosing to stick with traditional styles of armoury than adopt more modern technology. Another interesting factor is the marked difference between ceremonial weapons (which include the ornate swords and shields that are documented in paintings) and the weapons that have been used in battle, which might not be as beautiful to look at, but they are lethal.
The 15th century saw an increase in centralised rule within the Rajput kingdoms against the diminishing power of the Mughals, leading to a greater deployment of militia. A closer look at the Rajput warrior’s celebrated weapons reveals interesting objects that are now preserved in museums and forts of the Rajputana states – like a combination of a pistol with a sword, more for amusement than practical use, or the famous yet unusual case...
