9 Deadliest Weapons from India
The history of weaponry in India is as ancient as it is culturally significant, reflecting both the subcontinent’s rich tradition of warfare and its diverse technological ingenuity. From the earliest civilizations to the colonial and post-colonial periods, Indian weapons not only played pivotal roles in shaping the destinies of empires but also demonstrated remarkable craftsmanship and strategic design.
Here, World History Edu explores some of the deadliest weapons from India, tracing their origins, evolution, and major historical impacts.
The Chakram
Used predominantly by the Sikhs of India, the chakram’s razor-sharp edge was designed to slice through an adversary’s flesh or even decapitate them. Warriors typically carried multiple chakrams, which they would hurl at the advancing enemies. Image: A painting depicting several Sikhs holding a chakram.
The Chakram is a traditional Indian throwing weapon, historically used by Sikh warriors who adeptly spun it on their fingers or flung it like a Frisbee. Rooted in ancient practice and Hindu mythology, it is associated with Vishnu, symbolizing divine force.
Warriors carried multiple chakrams, strategically wearing them on their arms or necks and even stacking them in turbans. Designed for aerodynamic precision, the chakram could cause significant damage when thrown, slicing through enemies efficiently. Despite its primary use as a ranged weapon, it also proved effective in close combat, offering versatility on the battlefield.
The Katar (Punch Dagger)
The katar originated in southern India during the 14th century. Image: The Katar (left) and its sheath.
The Katar is a formidable punching and thrusting weapon that hails from Southeast Asia, with a deep-rooted history in the Indian subcontinent. Specifically, it was a favored weapon among the fierce Rajput warriors, renowned for their bravery and martial prowess, who reportedly used it to hunt tigers.
The weapon’s unique design features an H-shaped handle, which allows the wielder to hold it over their clenched fist, positioning the large, triangular blade to extend directly from the arm. This distinctive configuration transforms the katar into a natural extension of the warrior’s body, enabling quick, precise stabs primarily aimed at vulnerable areas such as the torso and neck.
The katar’s design emphasizes lethal efficiency and ease of penetration, which made it particularly deadly in close combat. Its compact size allowed for enhanced maneuverability, enabling the wielder to execute swift, agile movements that could easily breach the opponent’s defenses.
Moreover, the katar often featured one or more secondary blades that increased its lethality and versatility in battle. Over time, the katar also became a symbol of social status and valor, often intricately decorated and worn as a display of authority. Its effectiveness and symbolic value have cemented the katar’s reputation as a weapon of choice among warriors, making it a significant piece of martial heritage in the region.
The Talwar (Curved Sword)
The talwar, a type of curved sword from the Indian subcontinent, was predominantly used from the 15th century onwards. Its distinct curvature was ideal for slashing, while its sharp point could be used for thrusting during combat. Image: The Talwar (right) and its sheath.
The Talwar, a traditional sword originating in the 1300s, was a pivotal weapon in the arsenal of the Mughal Empire’s military forces. Renowned for its distinctive curved blade, the Talwar was engineered for optimal combat efficiency, allowing warriors to deliver swift, curved strikes that could cut through flesh while minimizing the risk of the blade becoming lodged in bone. This design feature made it particularly effective for cavalry charges, where speed and fluidity of motion were crucial.
In addition to its curved blade, the Talwar often featured a sharp spike on the pommel, enhancing its versatility in close-quarter combat. This spike could be used to deliver deadly strikes in situations where swinging the blade was impractical, providing soldiers with a secondary means of attack.
Beyond its utilitarian value in warfare, the Talwar held deep cultural and religious significance, particularly among the Sikhs. For Sikhs, the Talwar was not just a weapon but a sacred symbol of their duty to protect and defend the oppressed, embodying their commitment to justice and righteousness. Worn as an article of faith, the Talwar represented the bearer’s readiness to fight against tyranny and oppression, resonating with the community’s ethos of moral and martial responsibility.
The Talwar’s enduring legacy as a symbol of survival, authority, and craftsmanship illustrates the profound impact of this weapon on India’s military and cultural history, underscoring its role in shaping the complex tapestry of the subcontinent’s past.
The Bhuj (Axe-Knife)
Named after the city of Bhuj in modern-day Gujarat, this short, heavy dagger features an axe-like blade and a spike on the opposite side. Used primarily in close combat, the bhuj was both a tool and a weapon. Its effective design made it suitable for splitting armor and helmets, showcasing its utility in battles during the 18th century.
Image: A painting depicting an ancient Indian knight holding the Bhuj.
The Trishula (Trident)
The trishula, a type of trident, is primarily a symbolic weapon associated with the deity Shiva. However, it was also used in historical battles by Indian warriors. The three points of the trishula are said to represent various trinities—creation, maintenance, and destruction, or past, present, and future. It was wielded in battle to pierce through multiple soldiers, making it a feared weapon in ancient warfare.
Image: A statue depicting Shiva with a Trishula.
The Urumi (Flexible Sword)
A unique and dangerous weapon, the urumi consists of a flexible, whip-like sword made from steel. Used in the martial art of Kalaripayattu, this weapon requires great skill and agility due to its ability to strike from unpredictable angles and the risk it poses to the user. It can be worn like a belt when not in use and extended in combat to deadly effect.
Bognak
The Bognak, meaning “tiger’s claw,” was a concealed hand weapon used for surprise attacks, creating deep gashes. Variants like the bishwa bognak featured a scorpion-sting-like blade. Image: Bognak.
The Bognak, aptly named for its resemblance to a tiger’s claw, is a historically formidable weapon rooted in stealth and surprise. Traditionally concealed within the hand, the Bognak was designed to enable its wielder to launch unexpected attacks, leaving deep, grievous wounds that could penetrate both skin and muscle with ease. Its design facilitated a variety of combat actions, allowing for thrusting, slashing, or clawing at opponents, thereby making it exceptionally versatile and lethal in close combat scenarios.
Among its variations, the bishwa bognak stands out. This model features a blade crafted to mimic the sting of a scorpion, enhancing its deadliness and intimidation factor. The design not only emphasizes the weapon’s ability to inflict pain and damage but also highlights the ingenuity and craftsmanship involved in its creation.
One of the most renowned historical accounts of the Bognak’s use involves the legendary figure of Emperor Shivaji from the Murata Empire. In a strategic move that underscores the weapon’s role in covert warfare, Shivaji is said to have worn a Bognak discreetly during a meeting with a political adversary. During this encounter, he reportedly used the weapon to fatally disembowel his enemy, a bold act that illustrates the Bognak’s critical role in personal defense and political warfare. This episode not only demonstrates the tactical advantage provided by the Bognak but also cements its place in the annals of history as a symbol of cunning warfare and regal authority.
Tabar Shishbar
The Taba Shishbar stands as a unique and formidable hybrid weapon that emerged during the 1600s and 1700s, primarily used by mounted warriors across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. This weapon ingeniously combines the lethal slicing capability of the Tabar (axe) with the crushing power of the Shishbar (mace), embodying the versatility needed for the diverse combat scenarios of the era.
The axe portion of the Taba Shishbar, known for its sharp, curved blade, was designed to deliver devastating cuts, capable of cleaving through flesh and bone with ease. This component made the weapon highly effective in open combat, where precision strikes could turn the tide of battle. On the other end, the Shishbar component featured a mace, often equipped with up to eight flanged spikes. These spikes were not only menacing in appearance but also incredibly functional, designed to penetrate shields and even the toughest armor. The blunt force impact of the mace could incapacitate an opponent, complementing the slicing action of the axe.
What sets the Taba Shishbar apart is its dual-functionality, allowing warriors to switch between slashing and bludgeoning modes based on the demands of the battlefield. This adaptability made it a “weapon with multiple personalities,” highly prized for its ability to engage a variety of defensive setups effectively.
Historically, the Taba Shishbar was not just a weapon of war; it also symbolized the martial prowess and strategic sophistication of the warriors who wielded it. Its rarity and specialized design today highlight its status as a remarkable artifact of military history, reflecting the complex interplay of innovation and utility in warfare.
The Taba Shishbar, a rare weapon from the 1600s and 1700s used by mounted warriors in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, combines the sharp, lethal axe of a Tabar with the equally dangerous Shishbar mace. Image: Tabar Shishbar.
Vajra-mushti
Originating from India, the Vajra-mushti is a distinctive and lethal weapon, akin to an edged knuckle duster. Its unique design, featuring sharpened blades on every side of the handle, transforms it into a formidable tool of war, tailored for the skilled hands of well-trained Indian warriors. This design ensures that each motion—whether a stab, slash, or punch—can be deadly, offering the user a versatile range of attack methods.
The Vajra-mushti is not only notable for its effective design but also for its rich historical and cultural significance. The weapon has deep roots in traditional Indian martial arts, with a lineage that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is traditionally integrated into the practices of Indian wrestling, where it was once tied to the fists of wrestlers, enhancing the stakes and intensity of their matches. Today, this martial art continues to be practiced by professional wrestlers in India, albeit with non-lethal versions of the knuckle dusters to maintain the cultural heritage while ensuring safety.
This weapon exemplifies the intricate blend of India’s martial traditions with practical weaponry, highlighting a unique aspect of Indian martial arts that has been preserved over centuries. The Vajra-mushti remains a symbol of the martial valor and innovative weaponry that characterizes the rich history of Indian warfare.
