Khanda (sword) - Revision history

Kshatriyakula: Better

2026-09-07T08:38:20Z

Better

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:08, 7 September 2026
Line 33:		Line 33:
	\| haft_type =		\| haft_type =
	}}		}}
	The '''khanda''' ({{langx\|sa\|खड्ग}}) is a double-edge straight sword originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]]. The [[Rajput]] warrior clans venerated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient [[history of India]]. It is a common weapon in [[Indian martial arts]].<ref name="mty">M. L. K. Murty (2003), p91</ref> Khanda often appears in [[Hindu]], [[Jain]], [[Buddhism\|Buddhist]] and [[Sikh]] scriptures and art.<ref>{{cite book \| last = Teece \| first = Geoff \| title = Sikhism \| year = 2005 \| publisher = Black Rabbit Books \| isbn = 1583404694 \| page = 18}}</ref>		The '''khanda''' ({{langx\|sa\|खड्ग}}) is a double-edge straight sword originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]]. The [[Rajput]] and [[Khandayat]] warrior clans venerated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient [[history of India]]. It is a common weapon in [[Indian martial arts]].<ref name="mty">M. L. K. Murty (2003), p91</ref> Khanda often appears in [[Hindu]], [[Jain]], [[Buddhism\|Buddhist]] and [[Sikh]] scriptures and art.<ref>{{cite book \| last = Teece \| first = Geoff \| title = Sikhism \| year = 2005 \| publisher = Black Rabbit Books \| isbn = 1583404694 \| page = 18}}</ref>

	==Etymology==		==Etymology==

103.245.194.237: enhanced references per sources and improved wording

2025-10-01T11:45:43Z

enhanced references per sources and improved wording

Show changes

151.115.52.208: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

2022-12-12T08:50:45Z

robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:20, 12 December 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Short description\|Type of sword common in Indian martial arts}}		{{Short description\|Type of sword common in Indian martial arts}}
	{{~~about\|~~\|the Sikh symbol\|Khanda (Sikh symbol)\|the sword described in Hindu legend\|Asi (Mahabharata)}}		{{for multi\|the Sikh symbol\|Khanda (Sikh symbol)\|the sword described in Hindu legend\|Asi (Mahabharata)}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=January ~~2019~~}}{{Infobox weapon		{{Use Indian English\|date=January 2022}}{{Infobox weapon
	\|name= Khanda		\|name= Khanda
	\| image= Rajput Khanda.jpg		\| image= Rajput Khanda.jpg
Line 19:		Line 19:
	\|manufacturer=		\|manufacturer=
	\|unit_cost=		\|unit_cost=
	\|production_date= Similar weapons used from at least the [[Gupta Empire\|Gupta period]] (320-550 CE) to present.		\|production_date= Similar weapons used from at least the [[Gupta Empire\|Gupta period]] (320-550) to present.
	\|number=		\|number=
	\|variants=		\|variants=
Line 38:		Line 38:
	\|haft_type=		\|haft_type=
	}}		}}
	The '''khanda''' ({{lang-sa\|खड्ग}}) is a double-edge straight sword originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]]. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient [[history of India]]. It is a common weapon in [[Indian martial arts]].<ref name="mty">M. L. K. Murty (2003), p91</ref> Khanda often appears in Sikh, Jain, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures and art.<ref>{{cite book \| last = Teece \| first = Geoff \| title = Sikhism \| publisher = Black Rabbit Books \| isbn = 1583404694 \| page = 18}}</ref>		The '''khanda''' ({{lang-sa\|खड्ग}}) is a double-edge straight sword originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]]. The [[Maratha Army\|Maratha]] warrior clans venerated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient [[history of India]]. It is a common weapon in [[Indian martial arts]].<ref name="mty">M. L. K. Murty (2003), p91</ref> Khanda often appears in the Sikh, Jain, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures and art.<ref>{{cite book \| last = Teece \| first = Geoff \| title = Sikhism \| year = 2005 \| publisher = Black Rabbit Books \| isbn = 1583404694 \| page = 18}}</ref>

	==Etymology==		==Etymology==
Line 47:		Line 47:

	== History ==		== History ==
	Early swords appear in the archaeological record of ritual copper swords in [[Fatehgarh]] Northern India and [[Kallur archaeological site\|Kallur]] in Southern India.<ref>{{cite book \|last= Murty\|first= M. L. K.\|title= Pre- and Protohistoric Andhra Pradesh Up to 500 B.C.\|orig-year=2003\|year= 2003\|publisher= Orient Longman\|isbn=81-250-2475-1}}</ref> although the Puranas and Vedas give an even older date to the sacrificial knife.<ref>{{cite book \|last= Allchin, F. R. \|author-link= F. Raymond Allchin \|editor=Johanna Engelberta, Lohuizen-De Leeuw\|title= South Asian Archaeology 1975: Papers from the Third International\|orig-year=1979\|year= 1979\|chapter=A South Indian Copper Sword and its significance\|publisher= BRILL\|isbn=90-04-05996-2}}</ref> 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]]. Several sculptures from the [[Gupta Empire\|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 Empire\|Chola]]-era [[murti]]s.{{citation needed\|date=September ~~2019~~}}		Early swords appear in the archaeological record of ritual copper swords in [[Fatehgarh]] Northern India and [[Kallur archaeological site\|Kallur]] in Southern India.<ref>{{cite book \|last= Murty\|first= M. L. K.\|title= Pre- and Protohistoric Andhra Pradesh Up to 500 B.C.\|orig-year=2003\|year= 2003\|publisher= Orient Longman\|isbn=81-250-2475-1}}</ref> although the Puranas and Vedas give an even older date to the sacrificial knife.<ref>{{cite book \|last= Allchin, F. R. \|author-link= F. Raymond Allchin \|editor=Johanna Engelberta, Lohuizen-De Leeuw\|title= South Asian Archaeology 1975: Papers from the Third International\|orig-year=1979\|year= 1979\|chapter=A South Indian Copper Sword and its significance\|publisher= BRILL\|isbn=90-04-05996-2}}</ref> 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]]. Several sculptures from the [[Gupta Empire\|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 Empire\|Chola]]-era [[murti]]s.{{citation needed\|date=September 2022}}

	There is host of paintings depicting the khanda being worn by Rajput kings throughout the medieval era. It was used usually by foot-soldiers and by nobles who were unhorsed in battle. The [[Rajput]] warrior clans venerated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige.		There is host of paintings depicting the khanda being worn by Rajput kings throughout the medieval era. It was used usually by foot-soldiers and by nobles who were unhorsed in battle. The [[Rajput]] warrior clans venerated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige.
Line 53:		Line 53:
	[[File:Varaha_Cave_Bas_relief.jpg\|thumb\|Goddess Durga wielding khanda sword, 7th century.]]		[[File:Varaha_Cave_Bas_relief.jpg\|thumb\|Goddess Durga wielding khanda sword, 7th century.]]

	According to some, the design was improved by [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].{{Citation needed\|date=August ~~2008~~}} He added a back spine on the blade to add more strength. He also made the blade wider and flatter, making it a formidable cutting weapon. It also gave a good advantage to infantry over light cavalry enemy armies.		According to some, the design was improved by the Great [[Rajput]] Emperor [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].{{Citation needed\|date=August 2022}} He added a back spine on the blade to add more strength. He also made the blade wider and flatter, making it a formidable cutting weapon. It also gave a good advantage to infantry over light cavalry enemy armies.

	Rajput warriors in battle wielded the khanda 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 they venerate the khanda on the occasion of [[Mysore Dasara\|Dasara]].		Rajput warriors in battle wielded the khanda 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 they venerate the khanda on the occasion of [[Mysore Dasara\|Dasara]].
Line 62:		Line 62:

	Many [[Sikh]] warriors of the [[Nihang\|Akali-Nihang]] order are known to have wielded khandas. For instance, [[Baba Deep Singh]] is famous for wielding a khanda in his final battle before reaching his death, which is still preserved at Akaal Takhat Sahib.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warriors/deep.html \|title=Archived copy \|access-date=2015-07-15 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602004008/http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warriors/deep.html \|archive-date=2009-06-02 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Akali Phula Singh]] is also known to have wielded a khanda, and this practise was popular among officers and leaders in the [[Sikh Khalsa Army]] as well as by [[sirdar\|Sikh sardars]] of the [[Misl]]s and of the [[Sikh Empire]]. The Sikh martial art, [[Gatka]] also uses khandas.		Many [[Sikh]] warriors of the [[Nihang\|Akali-Nihang]] order are known to have wielded khandas. For instance, [[Baba Deep Singh]] is famous for wielding a khanda in his final battle before reaching his death, which is still preserved at Akaal Takhat Sahib.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warriors/deep.html \|title=Archived copy \|access-date=2015-07-15 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602004008/http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warriors/deep.html \|archive-date=2009-06-02 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Akali Phula Singh]] is also known to have wielded a khanda, and this practise was popular among officers and leaders in the [[Sikh Khalsa Army]] as well as by [[sirdar\|Sikh sardars]] of the [[Misl]]s and of the [[Sikh Empire]]. The Sikh martial art, [[Gatka]] also uses khandas.

			The Khandayat community of Odisha is known for being a martial community mastering the wielding of Khanda Sword.

	===In Religion===		===In Religion===
Line 69:		Line 71:

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==
	<gallery mode=packed>		<gallery mode="packed">
	File:Manjushri from Rig Sum Gonpo (Lords of the Three Families), view 1, collected by Sven Hedin in 1930, Efi Khalkha temple, Chahar, Inner Mongolia - Östasiatiska museet, Stockholm - DSC09304.JPG\|[[Manjushri]] wielding Khanda.		File:Manjushri from Rig Sum Gonpo (Lords of the Three Families), view 1, collected by Sven Hedin in 1930, Efi Khalkha temple, Chahar, Inner Mongolia - Östasiatiska museet, Stockholm - DSC09304.JPG\|[[Manjushri]] wielding Khanda.
	File:Acala, the Buddhist Protector.jpg\|[[Acala]] wielding Khanda.		File:Acala, the Buddhist Protector.jpg\|[[Acala]] wielding Khanda.
Line 78:		Line 80:

	== See also ==		== See also ==
			*[[Indian sword]]
	*[[Firangi (sword)]]		*[[Firangi (sword)]]
	*[[Khandayat]]		*[[Khandayat]]
Line 98:		Line 101:
	[[Category:Indian swords]]		[[Category:Indian swords]]
	[[Category:South Asian swords]]		[[Category:South Asian swords]]
	[[Category:~~Weapons of India~~]]		[[Category:Indian melee weapons]]
	[[Category:Medieval blade weapons]]		[[Category:Medieval blade weapons]]

>FrescoBot: Bot: link syntax and minor changes

2021-07-06T07:59:17Z

Bot: link syntax and minor changes

New page

{{Short description|Type of sword common in Indian martial arts}}
{{about||the Sikh symbol|Khanda (Sikh symbol)|the sword described in Hindu legend|Asi (Mahabharata)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}{{Infobox weapon
|name= Khanda
| image= Rajput Khanda.jpg
| image_size = 250
|caption= A khanda
|origin= [[Indian subcontinent]]
|type= [[Sword]]

|is_bladed= yes

|service=
|used_by=
|wars=

|designer=
|design_date=
|manufacturer=
|unit_cost=
|production_date= Similar weapons used from at least the [[Gupta Empire|Gupta period]] (320-550 CE) to present.
|number=
|variants=

|spec_label=
|weight=
|length=
|part_length=
|width=
|height=
|diameter=
|crew=

|blade_type= Double-edged, straight bladed, blunt tipped
|hilt_type=
|sheath_type=
|head_type=
|haft_type=
}}
The '''khanda''' ({{lang-sa|खड्ग}}) is a double-edge straight sword originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]]. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient [[history of India]]. It is a common weapon in [[Indian martial arts]].<ref name="mty">M. L. K. Murty (2003), p91</ref> Khanda often appears in Sikh, Jain, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures and art.<ref>{{cite book | last = Teece | first = Geoff | title = Sikhism | publisher = Black Rabbit Books | isbn = 1583404694 | page = 18}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The word ''khanda'' has its origins in the [[Sanskrit]] ''{{IAST|khaḍga}}''<ref name=khadaga1>Rocky Pendergrass, 2015,[https://books.google.com/books?id=3twNCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA10&dq=kha%E1%B8%8Dga+or+khanda+is+sword&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiQlY_u5orbAhVZU30KHYWKBRMQ6AEIJjAA#v=onepage&q=kha%E1%B8%8Dga%20or%20khanda%20is%20sword&f=false Mythological Swords], Page 10.</ref> (खड्ग) or ''{{IAST|khaṅga}}'', from a root ''{{IAST|khaṇḍ}}'' meaning "to break, divide, cut, destroy". The older word for a bladed weapon, ''{{IAST|[[Asi (Sanskrit)|asi]]}}'', is used in the [[Rigveda]] in reference to either an [[Bronze Age sword|early form of the sword]] or to a sacrificial knife or dagger to be used in war.

==Appearance==
The blade broadens from the hilt to the point, which is usually quite blunt. While both edges are sharp, one side usually has a strengthening plate along most of its length, which both adds weight to downward cuts and allows the wielder to place their hand on the plated edge. The hilt has a large plate guard and a wide finger guard connected to the pommel. The pommel is round and flat with a spike projecting from its centre. The spike may be used offensively or as a grip when delivering a two-handed stroke. The hilt is identical to that employed on another South Asian straight sword, the [[Firangi (sword)|firangi]].

== History ==
Early swords appear in the archaeological record of ritual copper swords in [[Fatehgarh]] Northern India and [[Kallur archaeological site|Kallur]] in Southern India.<ref>{{cite book |last= Murty|first= M. L. K.|title= Pre- and Protohistoric Andhra Pradesh Up to 500 B.C.|orig-year=2003|year= 2003|publisher= Orient Longman|isbn=81-250-2475-1}}</ref> although the Puranas and Vedas give an even older date to the sacrificial knife.<ref>{{cite book |last= Allchin, F. R. |author-link= F. Raymond Allchin |editor=Johanna Engelberta, Lohuizen-De Leeuw|title= South Asian Archaeology 1975: Papers from the Third International|orig-year=1979|year= 1979|chapter=A South Indian Copper Sword and its significance|publisher= BRILL|isbn=90-04-05996-2}}</ref> 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]]. Several sculptures from the [[Gupta Empire|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 Empire|Chola]]-era [[murti]]s.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

There is host of paintings depicting the khanda being worn by Rajput kings throughout the medieval era. It was used usually by foot-soldiers and by nobles who were unhorsed in battle. The [[Rajput]] warrior clans venerated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige.

[[File:Varaha_Cave_Bas_relief.jpg|thumb|Goddess Durga wielding khanda sword, 7th century.]]

According to some, the design was improved by [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}} He added a back spine on the blade to add more strength. He also made the blade wider and flatter, making it a formidable cutting weapon. It also gave a good advantage to infantry over light cavalry enemy armies.

Rajput warriors in battle wielded the khanda 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 they venerate the khanda on the occasion of [[Mysore Dasara|Dasara]].

[[Maharana Pratap]] is known to have wielded a khanda.
The son in law of Miyan [[Tansen]], [[Naubat Khan]] also wielded khanda and the family was known as Khandara Beenkar.
[[Wazir Khan (Rampur)|Wazir Khan]] Khandara was a famous beenkar of 19th century.

Many [[Sikh]] warriors of the [[Nihang|Akali-Nihang]] order are known to have wielded khandas. For instance, [[Baba Deep Singh]] is famous for wielding a khanda in his final battle before reaching his death, which is still preserved at Akaal Takhat Sahib.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warriors/deep.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602004008/http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warriors/deep.html |archive-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Akali Phula Singh]] is also known to have wielded a khanda, and this practise was popular among officers and leaders in the [[Sikh Khalsa Army]] as well as by [[sirdar|Sikh sardars]] of the [[Misl]]s and of the [[Sikh Empire]]. The Sikh martial art, [[Gatka]] also uses khandas.

===In Religion===
In Dharmic religions, Khanda is represented as ''wisdom'' cutting through veil of ignorance. Hindu and Buddhist deities are often shown wielding or holding khanda sword in religious art. Notably, Buddhist guardian deities like [[Acala|Arya Achala]], [[Manjushri]], [[Mahakala]], [[Palden Lhamo]] etc.

In Sikhism the [[Khanda_(Sikh_symbol)|Khanda]] serves as a religious symbol, with the Khanda itself taking center within a [[chakram]], flanked by two [[kirpan]].

==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed>
File:Manjushri from Rig Sum Gonpo (Lords of the Three Families), view 1, collected by Sven Hedin in 1930, Efi Khalkha temple, Chahar, Inner Mongolia - Östasiatiska museet, Stockholm - DSC09304.JPG|[[Manjushri]] wielding Khanda.
File:Acala, the Buddhist Protector.jpg|[[Acala]] wielding Khanda.
File:Mahākāla - AMNH - DSC06234.JPG|[[Mahakala]] wielding Khanda.
File:不動明王.JPG|[[Acala]] holding Khanda in up-right position.
File:Sikh Akalis On March Original.jpg|A [[Sikh]] [[Nihang|Akali-Nihang]] [[Sardar]], holding a Khanda.
</gallery>

== See also ==
*[[Firangi (sword)]]
*[[Khandayat]]
*[[Talwar]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* ''[[The History and Culture of the Indian People]]'' - ''[[Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan]]''
* Hindu Arms and Ritual - ''Robert Elgood''
* 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==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070426103108/http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/armour.html Armours at National Museum India]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110928220514/http://horsesandswords.blogspot.com/2006/12/guerrilla-warfare-iii-horses-and.html The Talwar and the Khanda]

{{Swords by region}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Khanda (Sword)}}
[[Category:Indian swords]]
[[Category:South Asian swords]]
[[Category:Weapons of India]]
[[Category:Medieval blade weapons]]