Nizam’s Sword

Context

• A 14th-century ceremonial sword that was sold in Hyderabad to a British General in the early 20th century is set to return to India.

About

• The sword is among the seven objects being repatriated by Glasgow Life, which manages Glasgow’s museums.
• The sword, shaped like a snake, has serrated edges and a damascene pattern, with gold etchings of an elephant and tigers.
• According to the museum documentation, the sword was “exhibited by Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI, Nizam of Hyderabad (1896-1911) at the 1903 Delhi or Imperial Durbar, a ceremonial reception held to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India.

Source: TH