Artwork Page for Dagger (red velvet case)

Details / Information for Dagger (red velvet case)

Dagger (red velvet case)

1700s–1800s

India

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Medium
Wood sheath covered in velvet with metallic thread
Measurements
Overall: 34.4 cm (13 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of S. D. Wright 1930.708.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Daggers with curved blades, known as khanjar, were worn tucked into the belt as one of the basic accessories for Mughal men. An all-purpose knife that could be used in hunting or fighting, the khanjar was also a visible status symbol. The use of jade and gold indicates that this dagger was owned by a member of the court. The gold inscriptions on the blade, just under the hilt, are quotations from the Qur’an, the most sacred book for Muslims. On one side is the opening line: “In the Name of God the Merciful and the Compassionate,” and on the other is a popular verse from chapter (sura) 61: “Help comes from God, and Victory is imminent.”

Dagger (red velvet case)

1700s–1800s

India

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