Armoury

The Armoury collection shows an impressive array of decorative styles including engraved patterns of coats of arms from different regions in India, hunting scenes, exotic flora and fauna, and intricate arabesque and foliage designs.

The unusually large sword on the right is called the Maratha patta. Its blade is double-edged and flexible and its handle, called a gauntlet hilt, covers the arm almost up to the elbow. The sword is gripped by a cross bar inside the hilt, like a fist, so that the sword becomes an extension of the forearm. The patta is extremely difficult to wield and can only be used by an expert swordsmen. The patta is well suited for warriors on elephant back. An added advantage is the flexibility of the blade. If it hits a hard or resistant object it merely bends over and thus prevents the rider from being unhorsed.