By My Sword and Shield: Traditional Weapons of the Indian Warrior

A soldier values his sword almost as much as his life and a Rajput's most powerful and binding oath was by his sovereign's throne ('gadi ki an') or by his arms ('ya sil ki an') or by his sword and shield ('dhal talwar ki an'). Akbar's swords had names and ranks assigned to them and these were sent by rotation each night to his bed chamber. This book traces the development of the weapons of the Indian warrior, from the earliest to modern times, and also provides black and white illustrations of a wide variety of the arms and armour discussed. It also includes a few pages pages in full colour showing the beautifully decorated armoury of medieval times. About The Author: E. Jaiwant Paul is a man of varied interests, having authored five other books: By My Sword and Shield: Traditional Weapons of the Indian Warrior, Baji Rao: The Warrior Peshwa, Har Dayal: The Great Revolutionary, Rani of Jhansi: Lakshmi Bai, and Unforgettable Maharajas. A hardcore corporate, he initially worked for Hindustan Lever and was later a director of Brook Bond India for several years. Thereafter, he headed the National Mineral Water Company in Muscat. Apart from collecting weapons, he is a keen cricketer and tennis player. His lifelong interest in arms and armour springs from the fact that his father as well as his grandfather served in the Princely States, where swords and daggers were part of everyday attire. He lives in Delhi and serves as a director of a few companies....