Ancient Indian Empires and Weapons

Shaitan

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Gandharan Yakhshi armed with a broadsword and an interesting looking shield.



Some what similar looking shield can be seen in this Gandharan spearmen, 1st-4th Century AD
 

Shaitan

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Ajanta Caves, Gupta-Vakataka Era, 4th-6th Century AD



Relief image of a, "gada", or Indian club. Gandhara, 5th - 6th Century AD.




Spearmen with a curved like shield, Pitalkhora caves, 3rd Century BC
 
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Shaitan

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club

long bow, hilt design

female warrior dueling, interesting shield design,

dualing

Some sort of club or sword

Guards, one with broadswords and boots


Udayagiri Khandagiri Caves, Khalinga, 2nd Century BC
 

Bhadra

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If the pictures could be chronologically arranged that would give an idea and insight into historical development of designs and development and probably some insight into the art of warfare ... and its development in Indian context..

After all weapons are designed to meet an end and to deal with a particular kind of enemy, his tactics and method of warfare ... eg .. one does not need Akash if there were not to be Paki or Chinese air forces... similarly one does not need long spears unless one has to attack from horses / elephants or stop those same kind of means in the battle. One does not need water as weapon if the other side is amphibious !
 

Shaitan

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Paintings of a 3 masted ship, Ajanta Cave, Gupta-Vakataka Era, 4th-6th Century AD



Satavahana Coin with a 2 masted ship, 1st-2nd Century AD



Satavahana Boat, 2nd-1st Century BC




Pleasure Boat, Ajanta Caves, Gupta-Vakataka Era, 4th-6th Century AD



Pallava coins with a 2 masted ship, 7th-9th centuries AD


Satavahana Coin with a 2 masted ship, 1st-2nd Century AD



Boat, Satavahana, 2nd-1st Century BC



Boat, Sunga, 2nd Century BC
 
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Shaitan

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Two swordsmen, one with shield. Both have some sort of abdomen guard, shirt with split in the middle, and wears a skirt.

2nd-1st Century BC, Sanchi



Solders on the balcony. One armed with a longbow, other armed with a broadsword that flares to the tip. Ancestor to the medieval Khanda/Patissa swords.

2nd-1st Century BC, Sanchi



Spearmen and swordsmen battle siegers. Defender is armed with a broadsword that flares out.

2nd-1st Century BC, Sanchi



Longbow, typical Indian broadsword, ancient Indian shield, abdomen guard, etc.

2nd-1st Century BC, Sanchi



Spearmen with similar shirt and shield.

2nd-1st Century BC, Sanchi



2nd-1st Century BC, Sanchi



Elephant rider with a turban complete wrapped around his head, armed with a long bow, with arrows on hand. He's wearing a shirt.

2nd-1st Century BC, Sanchi
 
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Shaitan

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Drawings of warriors from Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, 2nd Century BC
 
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Shaitan

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Ajanta, Satavahanas, 2nd-1st Century BC




Kanaganahalli, Satavahanas, 2nd-1st Century BC



Bharhut, Sungas, 2nd Century BC



Bharhut, Sungas, 2nd Century BC





Sanchi, Satavahanas, 2nd-1st Century BC


Similar long/short sleeve coats, shirts with a split in the middle.
 
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humbleraja

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Nice collection! I think all of you would be interested in this project that showcases many of the weapons documented in this forum: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/574241520/kings-of-india-playing-cards

As we tried our best to be accurate in terms of which dynasties used which weapons over history, we also wanted to feature a wide range of India's most iconic ancient weapons (mace, tritur, mughal sword, rajput sword, the steel bow (Gupta era), battle axe...)

A new look at the greatest of India's dynasties through illustrated playing cards. It features India's most prominent Kings, and their Queens. The successors of these Kings were given the role of the 'Jack' card, sometimes being even more successful than their predecessor. Their 'greatness' was based on their military, economic and cultural achievements.

The featured dynasties, which seem to agree with a lot of your comments on DFI are:
Maurya (King: Chandragupta Maurya, Jack: Ashoka the Great)
Gupta (King: Samudragupta, Jack: Chandragupta II Vikramaditya)
Chola (King: Rajaraja Chola I, Jack: Rajendra Chola I)
Mughal (King: Akbar the Great, Jack: Shah Jahan)

Please check out this project to help it get funded, and in return you will be the first to get a part of India's greatest all packaged into a beautifully illustrated deck of cards.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/574241520/kings-of-india-playing-cards

Kings_of_India_JackDiamondsDetails.jpg
Kings_of_India_ProjectImage3.jpg
 

Shaitan

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Yakshi armed with axe, Amaravati, 1st-2nd Century AD
 
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