Khanda (sword)

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Rajput Princess wielding a sword fights a foot-soldier armed with a Khanda. From a wall painting at the Bundi Fort-Palace

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. Khanda is a double-edged straight sword. The blade is usually broad and quite heavy. The blade of the khanda 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.

1 The Khanda in ancient India
2 Khanda replaced by the Talwar
3 Khanda among other communities
4 References

[edit] The Khanda in ancient India

(additional information needed) 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^{http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Marathon/1899/sanskrit}.

There is whole host of paintings depicting the Khanda being worn by Rajput Kings throughout the medeival 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.

[edit] Khanda replaced by the Talwar

In the medeival era and with the Islamic invasions, a new type of light and flexible sword was needed alongwith 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.

The Khanda became the weapon of last resort. Rajput warriors in battle wielded it with both hands and swung it over their head when surroundedand outnumbered by the enemy. In this manner they embraced martyrdom.

Even today worshipping the Khanda on the occassion of Dassehra is de rigeur 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 (see Khanda (Religious Icon))