A Rare and Massive Indo-Persian Zulfiqar Tegha Sword

Indian

About 27" blade length. 37" overall. Curved bifurcated steel blade with serrated cutting edge and yelman (back edge). Blade also has two offset quill fullers to both sides and a circular cutaway to fork in center of blade. Hilt appears to be iron, most likely from an Indian khanda sword, with cup knuckle guard, clamshell style guard with chiseled braces to both sides, and a spike pommel. Blade appears to have an old museum accession tag taped to left side.

The Zulfiqar is an Islamic sword style that is based on the one said to have been used by Ali ibn Abi Talib during the Battle of Uhud in 625 AD. It is believed that during this battle, a sword known as the "Zulfiqar" was given to Ali by Muhammad after Ali shattered his sword while splitting the shield and helmet of the strongest Meccan warrior with a single blow. The sword is believed to have been acquired by Muhammad during the Battle of Badr after seeing it in a prophetic dream concerning the Battle of Uhud.

The meaning of Zulfiqar is highly disputed, with some suggesting it loosely translates to "lord of cleaving" or "master of splitting". It was apparently part of the phrase, "lā sayfa ʾillā ḏū l-faqāri wa-lā fatā ʾillā ʿalīy" (There is no sword but the Zulfiqar, and there is no hero but Ali), a phrase allegedly uttered by Muhammad after witnessing Ali's heroic act. The Zulfiqar is a ceremonial sword and symbol that is present on many Islamic flags and talismans, as well as phrases referencing the Zulfiqar etched on most Islamic swords.

This example is most likely an Indian variant considering the khanda sword style hilt, and massive tegha blade. It is disputed whether or not massive examples like this item were used for executions or for ceremonial reasons.