The Pashtun sword in use in 19th century, was a curved sword known as Pulwar. But in early early 13th century, and perhaps in pre-Islamic times, they used straight and large swords. According to the author of “Adab al-harb wal-shuja” (written in circa 1211-1236 A.D), Pashtuns in the army of Sultan Shams al-Din Iltutmish (r.1211-1236) favoured straight and heavy swords called Surman (سورمان) and Turman (تورمان).
These above-mentioned swords were made by Afghan artisans, and they were in great demand in Delhi. They were straight, hard and strong which were intended to inflict wounds even after coming in contact with the armour worn by the opponent. Hence, they were heavy, so that the force of the sword along with its sharp and strong blade gave the opponent a lesser chance of being uninjured.
It is also evident from this detail that there were large number of Pashtuns in the armies of Mamluk Sultans of Delhi from very early on.
