Gilt handled South Indian Makarra dagger 17th century

A most interesting South Indian Dagger probably from Tanjore or Madras. The handle of silver or copper gilt, the pommel a most expressive Makarra /Human face with staring eyes and tongue protruding. A crest to the top and the hilt reaches forward on a ribbed grip, the base formed as a lobed petal shaped plate. Double edged recurved steel blade with signs of pattern welding or laminated construction, enclosed in its sheath covered with wine red silk velvet. Deeply embossed mounts of gilt copper, with floral designs and a pair of birds presumably peacocks to the upper mount on each side. 34 cms long overall in sheath, probably dating to the late 17th or early 18th century.