Weapons & Warriors: The Khanda of the Rajput

Art by TL Jeffcoat

Some of you weapon buffs already know about this very well respected sword of Indian history. The Rajput warriors ruled much of Northern India before and during the medieval ages. The Khanda was their pride and joy and the main piece to their amazing arsenal of weapons. In the hands of a Rajput, it could dice an opponent in mere seconds. The Rajput word translates to the Son of a King. They were born into this title and trained in the ways of the Rajput from youth. The Khanda is also symbol of Shiva and can be seen at the Mysore Dasara festival. 

I will go into more details about the Rajput history and culture later on, but for now, let me tell you about this unusual blade. It was forged with iron, sharpened on both sides of the thick blade, but the tip was made blunt. The thick flared tip increased the weight of the blade and assisted in its ability to slice through anything in its path. A thin point was placed under the handle which allowed a deadly backswing. This could be used as puncture weapon if sharpened or a bludgeoning tool. Some of the later designs included a spine in the blade to increase its strength for chopping through thicker obstacles. The Rajput used two hands with this sword, and although it was light enough to swing with one hand, it was capable of chopping through leather and chain with enough force behind the blow.

As a noble, the Rajput had plenty of time to become masters of their weapons. They trained constantly with the Khanda as well as their other weapons. They also trained in a form of martial arts that complimented their unusual arsenal. The unique style of combat at first glance would appear almost as an entertainer as the Rajput twirled the blade in his hands and spun around the battlefield. These were not warriors that fought as one unit, like many others. Instead, they would spread out and use ambush tactics on invaders to separate their ranks and force them into more single combat situations. Then they would lead the charge into the enemy with their soldiers close behind. The Rajput would dance and twirl through their enemies, striking out with the Khanda and dismembering anyone who stepped too close to the hacking blade. A Rajput never surrendered and would fight to the death, by twirling this blade in circles so that the only way to stop him was to kill him or just run away. The Rajput were very honorable, and lived by a strict code of honor.

I really love the arsenal of the Rajput, the weapons are one of the most unique designed set that I've ever come across.

I hope you enjoyed this edition of Weapons and Warriors, click here to view the entire catalog of weapons and cultures. Thank you, see you next week.