Kora the original weapon of Gurkhas?

M

Manoucher Moshtagh

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May 24, 2001
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According to Rawson "The Indian Sword" page 103,

"Despite the fact that in modern times the Kukri has come to be regarded as the national weapon of the Gurkhas, its form shows that it is a weapon of purely Indian descent, related to the kopis-bladed sword of Ajanta, and the modern Rajput Sosun Pattah. The Kora is the true traditional Gurkha weapon"

What do you think of thie theory? If he is right, then why and when did the Gurkhas discarded Kora in favor of Khukuris?

Regards,

Manoucher
 
The Kora and the khukuri are not comparable. One is sword while the other is a knife. I am sure that both would have been in use in tandem, before the firearm supersceded the Kora. Both, edge weapons are strongly associated with the Gurkhas. The khukuri is simply more identifiable because it has continued in service.

n2s
 
Rawson shows some flaws in his theory throughout his book, in spite of the fact that his book is considered as an authority on the subject. He also states that Hindu weapons were superior to Islamic weapons of India without any substance to back up his proposition.

Regards,

Manoucher
 
If you look at the old weapons in the National Museum in Nepal you'll be astounded at the various blade forms that were used. But it was the khukuri that survived with the greatest popularity.
 
Uncle Bill

Do you have pictures of the weapons displayed there? If yes could you post them here? It might initiate some custom work for your kamis ;)

Regards,

Manoucher
 
Manoucher -
Click on the Khukuri FAQ link on Ucle's post, and scroll down to "Historical Khukuris" - There are several good pics of the museum displays there, as well as some history.
 
"The" weapon does seem simplistic. How many of us would be willing to limit ourselves to one tool when many were available? Smiths of old could make more than one thing, just as modern smiths can.

The kora would be unweildy to carry around. The shape creates difficulties in sheathing it. On the other hand, it may be just the thing for keeping in the fort to repel attackers.
 
If I were on top of the wall trying to keep out some unwanted guests and had to choose between kora and khukuri I'd take the kora in a second.
 
Manoucher,
In all my studies and all the museum experts and anthropolgists I have spoken to there is agreement that the kora was the one weapon that is completely Nepalese. There were no outside influences on this weapon although both the Tibetans and Bhutanese have there own versions which are very similar except for the ricasso and the pommel designs. The theory there is that since so much trade went on they copied the Nepalese as did the Indians.

They are ungainly to use in Western sized hands because of the large disc guards, but would certainly inflict lots of damage. Some not only had the blade sharpened, but the scalloped 'tip' as well. One of our esteemed forumites did some tests with his kora on various objects and he said it leaves a deep 'zig zag' type cut. It is a wicked weapon.

Howard is right about sheathing. Difficult. There are two types of sheaths: one that is form fit which is opened on the back side and fastened with buttons and straps and the other is a large slightly curved leather over wood that is wide enough at the throat to accomodate the wide end of the kora. Like the kukri, there is no such thing as a "fast draw". When combat was at hand these weapons were out and ready to go. The kora was carried with a strap slung across the chest and the sword on the back, or with the strap over the shoulder with the kora hanging by the side like any sword.
 
Thanks John.
I am considering having a reproduction made by kamis of uncle Bill and need all specs and weight and POB, POP and the sheath. Could you provide me with this info and some piccs? I really appreciate it.

Regards,

Manoucher
 
I think HI listed a kora once upon a time. Have to wait for Bill to jump in.

In the meantime I will send you some pictures of my koras, but the specs will have to wait a bit. I'm still not real mobile because of a back/nerve problem.
 
We make our own version of the kora but I prefer the ancient designs to ours.

And thanks for usual expert help, John.
 
One of our esteemed forumites did some tests with his kora on various objects and he said it leaves a deep 'zig zag' type cut. It is a wicked weapon.
Click to expand...
Don't know how "esteemed", but I have test-cut water-filled milk jugs with three different koras. Water-filled jugs are easy to come by, and at least offer some comparisons among different blade styles, even if they don't accurately replicate, er, flesh, to be crude about it. A katana or doubledged European sword can cut a jug into neat half-inch slices, all the way down the jug. A 20" sirupati khukuri can cut a jug into 1" slices, with less even edges. A kora enters at the sweet spot, cuts downward brutally, while its elongated tip edge enters the back of the target from the reverse side, cutting horizontal or up, and usually knocks the jugs off the stand at the end (indicating considerable blunt force trauma), leaving a great zig-zag jaggged wound. My conclusion is that a katana can turn you into sashimi, a khukuri can turn you into fajitas, but a kora can turn you into coarse hamburger.
 
(for those who need the visual)

This sketch is barrowed from Egerton's Handbook of Indian Arms (published 1880). The Kora is the curved weapon shown to the left and right of the shield (#s 322 and 323). Also interesting, is the poorly defined (or abscence) of a cho on either of the khukuries pictured on the lower left (#s 314 and 319).

n2s
 

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Would the kora's cutting edge be on the inside (close to the shield) or outside?

Any idea what the purpose of the broad tip is, besides affecting the balance/sweet spot?
 
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