Ok Finally we are moving onto the Talwar!!
The Talwar is the quintessential Indian Sword and the word Talwar is synonymous with the Sword in India. The Talwar's closest relative would be Pouluar, and at present we refer to all curved swords as Talwars, any Indo-Persian blade, which is fitted with an Indian Hilt (Disc shape with spike) is also called a Talwar, however the Talwar in its current form in actually and evolved sword and it would be incorrect to refer to all such swords as the Talwar.
The Talwar is a slashing AND thrusting weapon, whereas the curved swords, such as the Persian Shamshir, arabic saif, turkish killij were primarily designed as slashing weapons. The 'drawing cut' was a unique feature of these weapons.
The Talwar, however retaining its curve, has the right geometry for a thrust weapon as well, the disc hilt, provides a grip, which not only complements the 'drawing cut' but also the 'thrust'. This complemented its use for both the Infantry & Cavalry and saw wide spread incorporation across ranks. Foot Soldiers to Kings, were all carrying Talwars! as in one on one combat it was an ideal weapon.
The Nihang's were known to carry 2 swords, with them at all times (apart from the khanda) and were expert in using them 2 handed or with the Dhal/Pesh Kabz combination.
The Talwar has proved its merit on the battle field time and again, and was even adopted by the British. The Dragoon Guards, carried curved swords, which was very much a Talwar! apart from this several British Officers, had custom made swords, fitted with Indian hilts, owing to its greater advantage in battle. I wonder if you have every noticed this, but there are several swords from the 1800-1900 period, which are longer in length than normal Talwars (Not the Firangi's) this is due to the fact that these Talwars were made for the Firangi's! and not for Desi's
The Talwar down the the hilt was very well thought out weapon, and blade smiths and warriors continued to evolve it over a period of several years. Hindi Movies have left us with an impression in our minds, that the Talwar was meant for use as a "metal on metal" contact weapon, that is using Talwars like sticks! Well this absolutely did not happen in the actual combat. Metal and Metal contact was restrictive, the Sword impacted the shield or armour, or actual got a positive hit!
The idea IMHO was to wait for your attacker to commit his strike and then outmaneuver to get your own strike in, weapon on weapon contact was not the norm.
---Need to head out will post more shortly---
Look forward to hearing from you all...
