Khanda (sword)
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| Khanda | |
|---|---|
 A Rajput Khanda |
|
| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Rajputs |
| Specifications | |
| Blade type | Double-edged, straight bladed Blunt tipped |
The Khanda is a native Indian sword, traditionally associated with the Rajputs. It was also popular among other warriors communities like the Marathas and the Sikhs. 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.
Unlike the European straight swords, khanda is not a weapon meant for thrusting. It is a hacking weapon designed to do the damage by the shear force of its heavy blade.
The Rajput warrior's love for his khanda was strong, and many Rajput households had a tradition of worshiping khanda on the occasion of Dussera, the traditional Hindu festival of martial celebrations.
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[edit] The Khanda in ancient India
Several sculptures from the Gupta era portray soldiers holding Khanda-like broadswords. These are again flared out at the tip. The origins of the Khanda can thus be traced back to ancient times. The word "Khanda" probably has its origins in the Sanskrit word Khadga.
There is whole host of paintings depicting the Khanda being worn by Rajput Kings throughout the medieval era. In Rajput traditions the Khanda was plyed with both hands and was double-edged. It was used usually by foot-soldiers and by nobles who were unhorsed in battle.
The designed was improved by Prithiviraj Chauhan. He added 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 designed was proved very effective against leather inlaid chain mail armours of Muslim invaders. It also gave a good advantage to infantry over light cavalry of Muslim and other enemy armies.
[edit] Khanda replaced by the Talwar
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. Thus the Rajputs developed the Talwar, a single-edged curved sword, which became the archetypal Rajput sword.[citation needed]
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. In this manner they embraced martyrdom.
Even today worshipping the Khanda on the occasion of Dussehra is de rigueur for Rajputs.
[edit] Khanda among other communities
The Khanda was also a favorite weapon of the Sikhs and Marathas. The Sikhs adopted this ancient sword as a religious symbol[citation needed] (see Khanda (Religious Icon))
[edit] 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
- National Museum India
- The Talwar and the Khanda
- The Raja of Raghogarh holds a Khanda
- The Hindu Newspaper
- Nishan Sahib
