The
khanda 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. Khanda often appears in Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh scriptures and art.
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.
Early swords appear in the archaeological record of ritual copper swords in
Fatehgarh Northern India and
Kallur in Southern India. Although the Puranas and Vedas give an even older date to the sacrificial knife. 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 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.
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.
Goddess Durga wielding khanda sword, 7th century.
According to some, the design was improved by
Prithviraj Chauhan. 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
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 Khandara was a famous beenkar of 19th century.
Many
Sikh warriors of the
Akali-Nihang order are known to have wielded khandas. For instance,
Akali Deep Singh is famous for wielding a khanda in his final battle before reaching his death, which is still preserved at Akaal Takhat Sahib.
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
Sikh sardars of the
Misls and of the
Sikh Empire. The Sikh martial art,
Gatka also uses khandas.