Length 35.5 cm (14 in.), width 11.6 cm (4 5/8 in.)
LNS 25 J
This exquisite dagger with a steel blade, solid gold hilt, and wood scabbard sheathed with gold is
entirely covered with floral designs, birds, and animals. The front of the scabbard and its chape
and hilt are engraved and set with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds as well as with pieces of green
and blue glass. Originally, more than twenty-four hundred stones were used; ten to twenty are
now missing, including one large one on the pommel. All the stones, except the diamonds, were
cut and polished. The diamonds were left in their natural state and affixed according to size; those
on the edges of the chape, quillon, and knuckle guard are natural octahedrals set in graduated
order. the back of the scabbard is worked in repoussé and devoid of gems.
The dagger might have been worn by Jahangir himself or his son and future heir Shah Jahan. It
could also have been made as a gift from the ruler to a person of high rank as such royal
generosity was common in the Murghal court. Although similar jewelled items appear in paintings
of the period, this dagger is the finest extanct example.
