| Khanda | |
|---|---|
 A Rajput Khanda |
|
| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | The Rajputs, the Marathas, other Kshatriya clans, and later by the Sikhs |
| Production history | |
| Produced | Similar weapons used from at least the Gupta period (320-550 AD) to present |
| Specifications | |
| Blade type | Double-edged, straight bladed, blunt tipped |
- For the Sikh symbol, see Khanda (religious symbol)
- For the sword described in Indian legend, see Asi (Mahabharata)
The Khanda (from Sanskrit खड्ग khaḍga) is a sword unique to India, traditionally associated with the Rajputs, Sikhs, Marathas and clans of the Kshatriya warrior class of India. It held roughly the same place amongst the Indian warrior classes as the Katana did to the Samurai warrior class of Japan.
The khanda is a double-edged straight sword. The blade is usually broad and quite heavy, and broadens from the hilt to the tip. The blade transforms into tip rather abruptly somewhat resembling the tips of ancient Roman swords. The hilt has a small metal spike coming out in the opposite direction which is typical of khanda. Many other straight swords around the world were primarily used for thrusting and stabbing with the tip, whereas the khanda was mainly used to hack or cleave with the edge of the blade.
The Rajput warrior clans venetrated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige. It is also one of the main weapons of gatka, a Sikh martial art. Talwar, Katara (कटार), Pata and Urumi are three other examples of bladed weapons unique to India.
Contents |
Antiquity to Gupta period
The modern Indian word Khanda probably has its origins in the Sanskrit word khaḍga, also khaṅga, from a root khaṇḍ "to break, divide, cut, destroy". The older word for a bladed weapon, asi, is used in the Rigveda in reference to either an early form of the sword or to a sacrificial knife or dagger. Such early swords appear in the archaeological record of Northern India with the Ochre Coloured Pottery culture, from about 1500 BC.
Straight swords, (as well as other swords curved both inward and outward), have been used in Indian history since the Iron Age Mahajanapadas (roughly 600 to 300 BC), being mentioned in the Sanskrit epics, and used in soldiers in armies such as those of the Mauryan Empire (320-185 BC). Several sculptures from the Gupta era (AD 280-550) portray soldiers holding khanda-like broadswords. These are again flared out at the tip. They continued to be used in art such as Chola era murtis.
Middle Ages
There is whole host of paintings depicting the khanda being worn by Rajput kings throughout the medieval era. In Rajput traditions the khanda was plied with both hands and was double-edged. It was used usually by foot-soldiers and by nobles who were unhorsed in battle.
According to some, the design was improved by Prithiviraj Chauhan.[citation needed] He added a back spine on the blade to add more strength. He also got the blade wider and flatter, making it a formidable cutting - slashing weapon. The new design proved very effective against the leather inlaid chain mail armour of Muslim invaders. It also gave a good advantage to infantry over light cavalry of Muslim and other enemy armies.
In the medieval era and with the Islamic invasions, a new type of light and flexible sword was needed along with the new cavalry forces that came to dominate Indian military history.
The khanda became the weapon of last resort. Rajput warriors in battle wielded it with both hands and swung it over their head when surrounded and outnumbered by the enemy. It was in this manner that they traditionally committed an honourable last stand rather than be captured. Even today venerating the Khanda on the occasion of Dussehra is de rigueur for Rajputs.
In Indian culture
The khanda and related Indian straight swords are generally used in Indian theatre and art to represent the weapons of the ancient period of Indian history. Some religious iconography, such as statues of Kali, feature it. Straight swords are used in the classical Kathakali dance form, and the related Indian martial art Kalarippayattu.
See also
- Military history of India
- Indian martial arts
- Gatka
- Kalarippayattu
- Kathakali
- Firangi (sword)
- Talwar
- Katara (कटार)
- Pata
- wootz
References
- History and Culture of the Indian People - Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan
- Hindu Arms and Ritual - Robert Elgood
- Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan - Colonel James Tod
- When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art - Phillip B. Zarrilli
- The Art of War in Ancient India - P.C. Chakravarti
External links
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