Arms and armour

Ceremonial swords, finely carved powder horns and dagger hilts with a mosaic of precious gems form this magnificent collection of arms and armour. As symbols of military prowess and political authority, arms and armour were used in royal processions to shape the image of the holder. Highlights include the renowned Shah Jahan dagger with its distinctive anthropomorphic hilt along with a heavily bejewelled ceremonial sword of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The collection also showcases a striking bejewelled dagger in the form of a yali, a fearsome mythical beast, and a gem-set jade hilt with intricate foliage, lotus flowers and poppies.