Nayar/Nair Temple Sword, Southern India

These rare swords - known as Temple Swords - are associated with the Nayar or Nair of Southern India, believed circa 18th century.
This example has the classic flexible steel blade and is ~28" in length. They are double-edged but not necessarily combat worthy. Upper edge - near the crescent-moon-shaped tip - has small holes drilled to accept ringlets attached to "charms" or other trinkets such as bells (only two ringlets/trinkets remain on this example). The grip is iron - cylindrical in geometry - with light brass cross guard and langets (the fastening strips for the blade); also present - towards the pommel - are a series of brass discs, the last disc has small holes drilled to accept ringlets attached to "charms" or other trinkets such as bells as on the blade (only three ringlets/trinkets remain on this example). Overall length is ~34-1/2". Good condition for the age. Dark patina on blade with various scattered small defects. These are considered very scarce if not rare.
NOTE: No scabbard included with this sword.