The Kirach is one of the rarer Indian swords and is characterised by its broad, apparently straight blade with an almost imperceptible curve towards the point. The Kirach blade is also usually shallowly concave (hollow-ground). These rare swords were developed in northern India by the Marathas and were reserved for the use of elite troops. They can be found with both the Hindu basket hilt (as seen on Firangi and Khanda) and with the Delhishahi hilt as on this example. This swords dates to the mid-18oo’s.
The 695mm broad steel blade has a flat spine and terminates in a spear point. The single-edged, shallowly concave blade is double-edged for the last 150mm. The blade is in good condition and free of rust with some scattered tarnish and small patches of shallow pitting. The blade has been sharpened and has use and age related marks. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel hilt is of the form known as Deldishahi (from Delhi) with dome finials to the crosspiece and clubbed languets. The disc pommel incorporates a domed, flower-like disc with a rounded pommel stud.
This is a fine example of a rare northern Indian fighting Kirach dating to around 1840.
