The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of December 20, 2025
Dagger
1700s–1800s
Overall: 34.4 cm (13 9/16 in.)
Gift of S. D. Wright 1930.708.a
Location: Not on view
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.”- ?–1930Samson D. Wright [1866–1938], Cleveland Heights, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art1930–The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- “Part II. Fifteenth Annual Report of the Cleveland Museum of Art 1930.” The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, vol. 18, no. 2, 1931, pp. 1–128. Mentioned: p. 33 25137366
- {{cite web|title=Dagger|url=false|author=|year=1700s–1800s|access-date=20 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1930.708.a