With its parallel bars forming the guard and pommel, this dagger recalls the form of khapwas (commonly known as “chilanums”) from central India, highly prized in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in the Deccan and Mughal India. An example from the late seventeenth century is in the Royal Collection Trust in the United Kingdom (inv. 38105), and another, with an exceptionally luxurious jade-inlaid hilt, was sold at Christie’s, New York, 19 June 2019, lot 84. This weapon, with its subtle decoration, is not a ceremonial object but a true combat weapon, its blade firmly riveted to the base of the hilt.