The Chillanum is one of the rarest forms of daggers in the Indian arsenal. It was the preferred dagger of the Maharattas but also widely used by other groups in India mostly in the 17th and 18th centuries. This specific example is probably coming from Rajhastan. The blade is slender 12 inches long, double edged and re curving with a thickened tip. It is forged from laminated steel in one piece with the hilt and grip. Traces of silver koftgari decoration on the hilt. Total length 15 ½ inches. Very good condition. Only minor pitted spots on the handle.