art-of-swords:Meteoric Iron Dagger of Emperor JahangirDated: 1621Period: Mughal dynastyCulture: Indi
art-of-swords:Meteoric Iron Dagger of Emperor JahangirDated: 1621Period: Mughal dynastyCulture: IndianTopic: Mughal dynasty (1526 - 1858), India, South Asian and Himalayan ArtMedium: meteoric iron, with gold inlayMeasurements: H: 26.1 cm (10 ¼ in)The dagger features a watered steel blade with meteoric iron, ab iron hilt, and gold inlay. The Jahangirmima records (1605 -24) say: “At dawn a tremendous noise arose in the east. It tvas so terrifying that it nearly frightened the inhabitants out of their skins. Then, in the midst of tumultuous noise, something bright fell to the earth from above…”Thus did Emperor Jahangir describe a meteor that landed within his kingdom in April 1621. His fascination with unusual natural events and his power to harness their aura—is revealed by this dagger’s blade, forged from the meteorite. Jahangir further noted that the blade “cut beautifully, as well as the very best swords.”Source: Copyright © 2015 Smithsonian Institution -- source link