MUGHAL WAR HORSE BIT, 18TH CENTURY

Iron, finely forged in six pieces with split mouthpiece formed with spiral rows of short spikes. These were designed to produce instantaneous dramatic response from the horse in battle situations. The Mughal Empire, ruled most of Northern India including the mountain states and Afghanistan. It was founded Babur, a descendent of Tamerlane, in1526 and expanded under Shan Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal. It reached its territorial peak under Aurangzeb. In the 18th century, it faced increasing military aggression from the Marathas. The bit has fine age character with glossy chocolate patina.