Royal Dagger Carved with Hindu Figures

17th century

This ceremonial dagger, made in southern India for Thirumalai Nayak (r. 1623–1659), ruler of Madurai, constituted an offering to a Hindu temple. The carved ivory handle is entirely covered in leaf and bead motifs and tiny elephants. The pommel is in the shape of a yali, a mythical protective creature of the Hindu religion, lion, horse and elephant at the same time, with bird-like features. Fearsome even though never intended for use, the openwork blade is finely chased with phytomorphic tracery and mythical birds. At its base, the god Shiva brandishes a trident and tramples on a dwarf demon as a sign of the king’s power over people and animals.