A RARE INDIAN DECCAN BROADSWORD (KHANDA), 16TH CENTURY with broad flat blade widening at the tip,

A RARE INDIAN DECCAN BROADSWORD (KHANDA), 16TH CENTURY with broad flat blade widening at the tip, steel hilt comprising a pair of shaped panels extending over the lower portion of the blade, two short arms probably for blade catching, figure-of-eight shaped guard applied beneath with a pair of silver lines, cup-shaped pommel, bud-shaped button fitted with a foliate washer, integral steel grip, and the lower part of the hilt engraved with scrolls and flowers 83cm; 32 5/8in blade A sword of very similar form is preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, (1425-1855). See P.S. Rawson 1968, ill. 40.