2. The Khanda sword was used by the warriors of the Indian subcontinent for centuries and is now a spiritual object as well as a weapon of war
It’s believed that the first examples of the khanda sword started to emerge across the Indian subcontinent during the Gupta period, between 320-550 AD. Even then, the design was as simple as it was effective. The top is blunted, making it useless for stabbing. However, the sharp sides made it a formidable cutting weapon and it would have been wielded by unhorsed soldiers, including elite warriors and rulers. Many khanda swords had reinforced spines running down the blade, making them even more deadly.
From the 18th century on, many khanda swords came to be fitted with hand and finger guards and even basket hilts – the latter likely influenced by European weaponry. The swords also became increasingly more intricately decorated. This was entirely in fitting with their significance, especially to Sikhs. For them, the khanda was a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. Legend has it that Rajput warriors would grip their swords with two hands when surrounded by enemies. They would then lift it above their heads and chop downwards, hoping to take out as many enemy soldiers as possible before dying a noble death.