Indian Wootz steel is high in carbon as a result of first removing the impurities in the heated metal by repeatedly hammering out, folding and re-hammering the raw iron. Carbon is then added by re-heating the iron in a crucible with wood chips. At an extremely high temperature, the metal absorbs the carbon from the burnt wood. The resulting high carbon steel is then forged into billets that have a fine-grained appearance. These billets can then be forged into blades of superior quality that hold a fine edge.
The grain pattern within the steel is a result of repeated folding and hammering of the heated metal to uniformly distribute the carbon throughout the steel. Its aesthetically pleasing grain is a byproduct, and not the main intention as is seen in modern forged, highly decorative blades.
This Wootz steel Sirohi tulwar hails from Rajasthan in Northern India and dates to the 19th Century. The Sirohi has a predominantly straight blade that curves towards the point. These swords get their name from the town of Sirohi, renowned for forging excellent blades.
The 770mm blade has a thick, flat spine ending in a 205mm raised yelman that curves toward a narrow hatchet point. The blade has a deep central fuller with a very narrow fuller above. One side of the blade has an additional U-shaped fuller, which may be a maker’s mark or bear some regional significance.
The blade has been cleaned and is in great condition, clearly showing the layering in the forged Wootz steel. The edge remains very sharp.
The high-quality hilt is of baluster form with lotus flower terminals to the crosspiece and clubbed languets. The hilt terminates in a thick pommel disc with lotus flower decorated dome and bud-like skull crusher pommel stud. The hilt is in good condition. The blade is fixed firmly in the hilt in the traditional manner and reinforced with a rivet.
This Sirohi tulwar is an excellent example of 19th Century Indian blade smithing.
