Backstrap from a sword or dagger hilt
Mughal School
Life Story
The pommel of this backstrap represents a ram’s head. The Sanskrit inscription is a prayer to Shiva’s wife in her personification as Kali (also called Durga) the goddess of destruction. It was common for weapons to bear this sort of prayer for protection in battle.
Description taken from the ‘Art From The Indian Sub-Continent In The Sainsbury Centre’ catalogue by Margaret A. Willey (Sainsbury Centre, UEA, 1995).
On display
Title/Description: Backstrap from a sword or dagger hilt
Object Type: Fragment
Materials: Gilt bronze
Measurements: h. 127 x w. 45 mm
Accession Number: 828
Historic Period: Late 17th century
