Introduction
Weapons worldwide have different designs and makes, but they all serve a single purpose: to defend oneself. From the beginning of the Palaeolithic age, when early humans began to create stone tools, handaxes, cleavers, borers, point, core tools, and flake tools, all of these tools made the lives of humans much easier. By the Neolithic and megalithic age, weapons were primarily created to hunt down animals and later to defend oneself and others from hostile humans. These weapons have been both a boon and a curse to mankind. By the Early medieval age, weapon technology became more sophisticated and diverse. This is where the eclectic culture of weapons of the Rajputs comes about. Whenever we think about Rajasthan’s culture, we think about courageous kings and princes like Prithvi Raj Chauhan and Maharana Pratap fighting against their enemies. Weapons have always been important tools for the royalty. These showcase the Kshatriya culture of protecting the common people from strong foes or evil. The weapon is more than a tool in the hands of a warrior. This article tries to dive deeper and understand the kind of culture these weapons represented.
Origin of Rajput Weapons
Swords, shields, spears, katar (dagger), etc. these kind of weapons have been used for generations by all Kshatriya and Rajput clans throughout Medieval India. Especially during the 15th century, the usage and manufacturing of these weapons had reached its peak, as this century saw inner struggles against rival kingdoms and battles against Mughals and other Foreign players. Sword, for a Kshatriya is sacred weapon which represents, Durga, Goddess of War.
The sword in the hands of a warrior acts as power and courage for them to ward off their enemies at the time of war. Goddess Durga, represents two phases, first of destruction, the other one of primordial power or ‘shakti’. Through that notion, these weapons represents two natures, one of being lustful for blood, destruction and fury, but still being powerful enough to protect the innocent souls from chaos. Weapons have a inseparable bond with the Goddess, and the warriors of Rajput clan always worship and clean their weapon, showing their respect and devotion towards Durga.
Types of Rajput Weapons:
Katar
Katar or ‘punching-knife’ or push dagger in simple words, this kind of weapon was designed to attack enemies in close encounters, this double edge blade, can pierce through armor and mail which were in use during the 17th century. One of the beautiful Katar’s can be seen below.
Rama Katar’s Motif
This kind of Katar has hindu verses decorated on its hilt, which is applied in gold on a cross hatched. The calligraphy on the handle has been executed with precision as it wraps around the handgrips. The text written on it is a Sanskrit strota, known as ‘Rama-Raksha’ strota that was versed by Budhakausika Rishi, which is a hymn praise for Lord Rama to have protection. These verses were often coupled with breathing practices, visualizations and wearing it as a talisman, this makes it ideal to be placed on the dagger, that symbolizes, this weapon was an important object of devotion. The short blade of the weapon is made from Indian crystalline wootz Damascus, with a central rib and armored piercing tip. The weapon was built during 19th century.
Swords
Swords or ‘Talwars’ as stated above, serves as one of the crucial weapons for Rajputs. These were carried by all of the mighty warriors, be it in the times of war or during peaceful times. Making swords was also not an easy job, only a skilled artisan, skilled in bladesmithing could create perfectly balanced blades. Each of the sword made had its own unique design on its hilt or on its blade itself. One of the example can be seen below.
Jodhpur-Type Talwar’s Motif
This kind of sword has a unique design on its hilt. The hilt design belongs to the reign of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, which is now commonly known as ‘Jodhpur-type’. It has been made from steel which has been blued, that gives it a attractive background to its gold ‘koftgari’. With proper care and precision, the gold has been applied to the hilt, it also shows fine quatrefoils, stem and motifs. The disc of pommel on the base, which is on the other end of the hilt has been finished with a clean sunburst design. The sunburst design represents Surya, the sun god, from whom many Rajputs claim to have descended from. The sword was gifted by Maharaj of Ulwar, Mangal Singh to Prince of Wales; the blade was crafted by a master smith, Muhammad Ibrahim.
Shield
Shield or ‘Dhal’, has always been one of the main weapons for parrying the opponent’s attack. In medieval India, many of the shields had its own design on the face of the large disk. Various kinds of geometric patterns and motifs of floral and even human figures are portrayed on its face. One of the unique design of the shield can be seen below.
Goddess Shield’s Motif
This particular shield has eight incarnations of Devi with alongside Goddess Durga being part of the group, known as ‘Matrikas’, these are the eight goddesses who are all different forms of Goddess Parvati. The Surya, sits at the centre of the shield, proceeding by clockwise, Durga, Shachi, Varahi, Brahmani, Ishta-devi, Vaishnavi, Maheshvari, Chamunda and Kaumari, are the nine Goddesses sitting on the shield. The making of this shield goes back to 1850 and it belongs from Udaipur which was former part of Mewar kingdom.
Present scenario of these weapons
Since the medieval times, these weapons have been the powerful symbol of valor for the Rajputs and this craftsmanship of making these fine weapons have also evolved over many years. Even though the technology of these weapons could not match its competitors, which were Mughals, and Arab invaders who used Gunpowder technology through cannons, these simple, yet mighty weapons used to create havoc in enemy lines, as the spirit of Rajput warriors was unmatched throughout the Medieval India. The weapons now rest in display of various national museums of India. Some of them are used as decorations on wall which act as the symbol of might and power of the proud Rajput warriors, who fought and died protecting their motherland and people.
Conclusion
Even though these weapons are now regarded as ceremonial objects, they continue to define the medieval history of India, illustrating how our warriors were feared by foreign powers. The craftsmanship of these weapons has not yet diminished in India; there are still master smiths ready to pass down their skills to the younger generation. The Rajasthan Studio is one such example. They offer workshops to aspiring youngsters eager to learn how to craft these weapons under the watchful eyes of master smiths. The importance of these weapons does not end there; their legacy is still reflected in the armed forces, where they are regarded as symbols of a warrior. Beyond wedding ceremonies, the swords are still utilized in the armed forces, during their passing out parades, and even at Republic Day parades.
Sources used
https://rajasthanstudio.com/are-you-aware-about-the-warrior-weapons-of-rajasthan/
https://www.runjeetsingh.com/_userfiles/pages/files/catalogues/rs_the_goddess.pdf
https://www.sahapedia.org/rajput-warriors-armoury-influences-experiments-and-adaptations
http://www.forensicfashion.com/1751RajputNoble.html