Editing Talwar (section)

==Characteristics==
[[File:PB210833.JPG|thumb|200px|left|Talwar with a [[wootz]] blade and silver ''koftgari'' decoration to hilt and blade forte. Note the widening of the blade near the tip.]]

The talwar was produced in many varieties, with different types of blades. Some blades are very unusual, from those with double-pointed tips ([[zulfiqar]]) to those with massive blades (sometimes called tegha – often deemed to be executioner's swords but on little evidence). However, all such blades are curved, and the vast majority of talwars have blades more typical of a generalised [[sabre]]. As noted above, swords with blades other than curved sabre-blades, or possessing hilts radically different from the Indo-Muslim type are usually differentiated by name, though usage is not entirely consistent.{{sfn|Stone|1934|loc=see entries Talwar and Tegha (the glossary is alphabetical)}}

Many examples of the talwar exhibit an increased curvature in the distal half of the blade, compared to the curvature nearer the hilt. Also relatively common is a widening of the blade near the tip (often without the distinct step [latchet] to the back of the blade, characteristic of the yelman of the kilij). The blade profile of the British [[Pattern 1796 light cavalry sabre]] is similar to some examples of the talwar, and it has been suggested that the talwar may have contributed to the design of the British sabre.{{sfn|Robson|1975|p=23}}

A typical talwar has a wider blade than the [[shamshir]]. Late examples often had European-made blades, set into distinctive Indian-made hilts. The hilt of the typical talwar, is of the Indo-Muslim type, and is often termed a "disc hilt" from the prominent disc-shaped flange surrounding the [[Hilt#Pommel|pommel]].{{sfn|Evangelista|Gaugler|1995|p=575}} The pommel often has a short spike projecting from its centre, sometimes pierced for a cord to secure the sword to the wrist. The hilt incorporates a simple cross-guard which frequently has a slender knucklebow attached.{{sfn|Evangelista|Gaugler|1995|p=575}} The hilt is usually entirely of iron, though brass and silver hilts are found, and is connected to the tang of the blade by a very powerful adhesive resin. This resin, or ''lac'', is derived from the [[Ficus religiosa|peepal tree]], it is softened by heating and, when cooled, it sets solidly.{{sfn|Jaiwant Paul|1995|p=118}} More ornate examples of the talwar often show silver or gold plated decoration in a form called ''koftgari''.{{sfn|Jaiwant Paul|1995|p=118}} Talwars of princely status can have hilts of gold, profusely set with precious stones, one such, preserved at the Baroda Palace Armoury, is decorated with 275 diamonds and an emerald.{{sfn|Jaiwant Paul|1995|pp=116-117}}