Four Jamnagar ‘Gulab’ Betel Cutters Made in India for the Indonesian Market

These four brass betel cutters with iron blades, each stamped with model numbers and all stamped ‘Jamnagar’ and maker’s name, either ‘Gulab’ or ‘R. Gulab Jagjiwan/Boodh & Co.’ are neither exceptional nor particularly beautiful. But they are interesting for the fact that each was found on Java, Indonesia.

The trade in Indian textiles to Indonesia is well documented. But less well known is the international trade in betel paraphernalia. Similarly, many Burmese betel cutters turn up in India. They were brought into India via Madras and so today are often erroneously assumed in India to be from Madras rather than Burma.