Most studies of Indian armor have concentrated on Mughal arms from northernIndia and there has been no serious study of Hindu arms since the nineteenthcentury. ... » 

Most studies of Indian armor have concentrated on Mughal arms from northernIndia and there has been no serious study of Hindu arms since the nineteenthcentury. Robert Elgood seeks to fill this scholarly gap with Hindu Arms andRitual a new and richly illustrated study that examines pieces from theTanjore Palace Armory in south India.Tanjore arms reveal a wealth of information about Hindu warrior society throughthe intricate and symbolic iconography carved on them. As Elgood showsinscribed gods goddesses and sacred animals and plants infused the weaponrywith divine powers of assistance. Drawing on evidence from various sourcessuch as ancient manuscripts and contemporary art Elgood also challenges thecommonly held opinion that most south Indian arms date from the eighteenth andnineteenth centuries. Instead he argues many pieces were made during thesixteenth and seventeenth centuries and are attributable to the Vijayanagaraand Nayaka courts. This beautifully illustrated work is an invaluablecontribution to the historical study of Indian arms and material culture. «