The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Archaeology department receives rare dagger

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Sunday, Dec 03, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Archaeology department receives rare dagger

Staff Reporter

It was in possession of a goldsmith family in Kadapa

RARE ANTIQUITY: The dagger belonging to Asaf Jahi period with a jade embedded in its hilt

HYDERABAD: The Department of Archaeology and Museums has received a dagger dating back to Asaf Jahi period and complete with a jade embedded in its hilt from Kadapa. The rare antiquity is likely to go for public display around March 2007.

The dagger was in possession of a goldsmith family in Kadapa and they surrendered it to the local police. "The police from there brought it and handed it over to us," the Director Archaeology and Museums, J. Kedareswari said.

Made of brass

The rare piece is said to be more than 150 years old and comes with an inscription `Asar-e-Asaf Jahi' (antiquity of Asaf Jahi). The blade is made of brass and has an inscription of `alam' on it.

The most interesting part of the dagger is its hilt which is carved in dark green jade with gold setting and has semi-precious stones as its eyes. "This is a valuable addition to our collection and we are planning to put it for public display at State Museum at Public Gardens," Dr.Kedareswari said.

The dagger is in good condition and details on how it came to be in possession of the family at Kadapa were yet to be completely ascertained, according to her.

"The nature of stone, dark green jade and the inscription on it indicate that the dagger is over 150 years old," she points out.

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