This dagger with the ram-headed hilt is from Mughal (15th-17th centuries) India. In this dagger, the eyes of the ram are inlaid with rubies. Animal-headed hilts became popular after the Shah Jahan (1628-1658) period in India. It displays a delicate patterning and love for realism, complete with detail. Daggers such as this are similar to swords and weapons used for aggression, self-defense as well as for ceremonial use. Such daggers were also given as gifts by nobles to the emperor or by the emperor to his favourite commanders. Many royal and noble personages can be seen wearing or using such weapons throughout Mughal period paintings.
