War in Ancient India c6.s6.t4.5

c6.s6.t4.5

We conclude with the words of Sir George Birdwood: ‘For variety, extent, and gorgeousness, and ethnological and artistic value, no such collection of Indian arms exists in this country (England) as that belonging to the Prince of Wales. It represents the armourer’s art in every province of India, from the rude spear of the savage Nicobar islanders to the costly, damascened, sculptured, and jewelled swords, and shields, spears, daggers and match-locks of Kashmir, Katch and Vizianagaram. The most striking object in the collection is a suit of armour made entirely of the horny scales of the Indian armadillo, or pangolin, encrusted with gold, and turquoises, and garnets.’¹⁷⁷