Page:The Musnud of Murshidabad (1704 - 1904).djvu/171

[ 93 ] Europe and Monghyr in the sixteenth century and later. The Carabines and Sherbacha are mostly of that period. The pistols, which are match lock, flint lock and percussion cap, are both Indian and European and include among" them many presented to the Nazims by the East India Companu. Of Rurchhas, Bhalas and Nezas, there are many, some of which belong to the Hindu period. The swords are of all kinds and periods and countries. DamaseDamasc [sic] swords made at Khorasan by artizans from Damascus in Timurlane's time; Ispahani swords manufactured by Asadulla, the great sword-maker of the time of Sha Abbas, King-of Persia (1582-1638), many of which were made for him ; Dag-gers of every kind, namely, Afghanistan Chhoras, Peshkubz ( Persian ), Koroli ( Turkish ), Qama and Kb agar ( Arabic ) ; Katars, Bichhooas, Ramdaos, Kukris and Bhoojalis (Indian) ; Shields, Bows and Arrows ; Mohalas or iron pieces for tusks of fighting elephants, Tabrs and Zafer Takias and other varieties make up a collection which is unequalled in India.

Most of the arms in the Palace Armoury are those actually used in battle by the Nazims, their generals, Omras and men. Many of these saw Plassey, Gi;-ia, Uduanala &c. The swords in the Armoury may be classified as follows : —

1 Khorasani 2 Ispahani 3 Magrabi 4 Jenoobi