Gem set jade-hilted Khanjar with Scabbard, ca. late 1700 to 1725, Christie’s, New York, NY, USA.
During the 16th century, a captivating trend of ornate bejeweled blades emerged in the Near East and South Asia. They showcase the exquisite craftsmanship that enchanted the entire region. Among these finely crafted weapons, intricately designed daggers as well as swords gained significant popularity across Turkey, Arabia, Persia, and India. Notably, the Mughals played a prominent role in shaping this trend, introducing a distinctive khanjar — a ceremonial emblem of power that also served as a formidable close combat weapon.
Gem set jade-hilted Khanjar, ca. late 1775 to 1790, Christie’s, New York, NY, USA.
From the 16th to the 19th century, Mughal nobility adorned themselves proudly with these remarkable creations. Worn suspended by belts, these daggers and swords served not only a practical combat purpose but also displayed a captivating aesthetic allure. These blades are a testament to the mesmerizing artistic vision of the Mughals, fusing diverse styles and influences that culminate in a unique and iconic aesthetic that continues to captivate art (and perhaps even weapon) enthusiasts!
Manohar, Portrait of Prince Danyal, ca. 16th century, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, USA. Detail.
The Mughal domain, established in 1526 by the visionary emperor Babur in South Asia, heralded the advent of a golden era of development. Distinguished as formidable conquerors and illustrious patrons of the arts, the Mughals orchestrated a harmonious blend of conquest and cultural refinement, giving rise to an epoch of remarkable artistic development.
Chitarman, Portrait of Dara Shikuh, ca. 1640 to 1641, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK. Detail.
Life at Mughal courts was extensively documented, more so than any other court in the Islamic world. The opulent Mughal courts and the intimate lives of their courtiers were richly chronicled through written accounts and pictorial portrayals, albeit often in idealized forms. Mughal miniatures often depicted armed Mughal royalty, shown with swords and daggers securely tucked within cummerbunds.
Gem set Khanjar, ca. 18th century, Christie’s, New York, NY, USA.
The earliest Mughal daggers or khanjars closely resembled their traditional Central Asian and Persian counterparts, representing Babur’s own heritage. Over time they evolved to incorporate Indian artistic elements, such as intricate filigree work and gemstone embellishments.
Daggers carried great significance as a symbol of prestige. Their craftsmanship demonstrated the unparalleled skill of Mughal metalworkers, enamellers, and jewelers. Dagger hilts were formed with precious and semi-precious stones and featured designs in various advanced techniques, including damascening, inlay work, and enameling.
Ivory-hilted horse-head Khanjar, ca. 1800, Christie’s, New York, NY, USA.
Designs featured on daggers often depicted natural themes and displayed the Mughal fascination with nature. Hilts were adorned with floral patterns and animal heads, including heads of camels, ibexes, gazelles, and lions. Horse-headed hilts were very popular in the seventeenth century. Often inscriptions were carved into khanjars as well.
Gem set Khanjar, ca. 1700 to 1800, Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha, Qatar. Google Arts & Culture.
Beyond their captivating aesthetic allure, these daggers were also formidable weapons. The blades were manufactured in the Persian tradition which involved hammering different types of steel together, forming an exquisite marbled pattern. The outcome was a blade of exceptional merit, characterized by a harmonious blend of suppleness and strength—a metal of remarkable adaptability, sporting a keen and unyielding cutting edge.
Hilt of a Dagger, ca. late 17th – early 18th century, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, USA.
The legacy of Mughal daggers, akin to other exquisite creations of Mughal art, transcended the confines of the Indian subcontinent, echoing resoundingly across distant lands. Following the devastating sack of Delhi by Nadir Shah, Mughal swords and daggers embarked on a journey that traversed the realms of Persia and the Ottoman Empire. The allure of these weapons extended beyond their utilitarian nature; the intricate craftsmanship of their hilts was a source of covetous admiration. In a testament to their allure, the Ottomans went so far as to procure these coveted hilts, adorning them with their own blades. Today, the echoes of this fusion can be seen in numerous museums spanning the globe as testaments to the enduring reach of Mughal artistry.
Dagger with Scabbard, ca. 1605 to 1627, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, USA.
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Maya Tola is a Dallas-based attorney, with a zest for art history. A time traveler at heart, Maya often finds herself consumed in the contemplation of life in antiquity. She has been sharing her infectious enthusiasm for art and history since 2018 through her posts and articles for the DailyArt App and DailyArt Magazine. When she's not working or writing, you'll find Maya obsessing over plants, animals, and food (in no particular order).
Bec is an art nerd, bicycle enthusiast, cat mom, artist/crafter/maker from sunny Toronto, Canada.
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