India
Arms and armour feature as a central part of Indian culture from earliest times. The heroes of early epic stories such as the Mahabharata ride on chariots and shoot bows. Archery plays a central role in all Indian military until the widespread introduction of firearms in the 18th century.
Notable objects located in this gallery
-
Armour of Tipu Sultan
A helmet from the arsenal of Tipu Sultan.
Dates from 1790 | Object number: XXVIA.139
-
Elephant armour
Our elephant armour is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest animal armour in the world.
Dates from 1600 | Object number: XXVIa.102
-
Mughal horse dagger
An Indian dagger from the late 17th century with the hilt carved in the shape of a horse’s head.
Dates from 1690 | Object number: XXVID.145
-
Sikh flintlock pistol
Sikh flintlock pistols from the early 19th century.
Dates from 1900 | Object number: XXVIF.217
-
Sikh turban helmet
This one of very few helmets, all made in Lahore, with skull shaped in the form of the Sikh turban (patka).
Dates from 1825 | Object number: XXVIA.138
