Pattern welded Khanda

The ‘khanda’ is one of the oldest sword of India. Deriving from ancient Hindu tradition, being freely translated as ‘to break through’ or to ‘divide’ or ‘cut’. The ‘khanda’ features a straight blade with partial double edge. The tip is often rounded in spatula form or has steep and straight edges. In some cases the ‘khanda’ blades are reinforced with a long stretching langet on the spine and forte. The hilts vary in style, but are basically Hindu basket hilts. The ‘khanda’ was favored among the Rajput and Maratha, who are Hindu warrior caste. A very fine and unusually large Khanda sword from Central India. The double-edged blade has a distinctive form, resembling the beak of a spoonbill, with a rounded, spatula-shaped tip. It is forged from pattern-welded steel, showing a subtle yet finely visible forging pattern throughout. The hilt is notably substantial, with elongated langets riveted to the blade and filled with resin. The characteristic Hindu basket hilt is fitted with a circular guard, while the quillons are shaped as stylised ram’s heads. The pommel terminates in a tapering spike with a metal suspension ring. The grip is wrapped in velvet and hemp cord. The blade is further decorated with a brass-inlaid cartouche containing an inscription, though the script is difficult to decipher. An exceptional and imposing example of the type, fully living up to the reputation of the Khanda within the Indian arms tradition.