Gold Khanda (Punjab)

Origin: Punjab

Date: late 18th century / Early 19th century (circa 1780 - 1820)

Length: 105cm

Materials: Iron, steel, Wootz and gold. 

Reference: TSWWGK

A Fine Wootz Khanda from Punjab, circa 1780-1820 AD.

 THE KHANDA

The word khanda has its origins in the Sanskrit khaḍga(खडग), from a root khaṇḍ meaning “to break, divide, cut, destroy”. The khanda is one of the oldest forms of the Indian swords, dating back as early as the 2nd century A.D. Traditionally, Khande are large, heavy, have double-edged blades – which widen towards the tip. The weight of the Khanda allows for heavy cuts. Often, the blades are reinforced on a single edge. It was during the 17th century when basket hilts were developed and added to the Khanda to allow for better manoeuvring and hand protection.

There is significant iconography of the Khanda within the religions of the world. In Dharmic religions, such as Hinduism, the Khanda is represented as wisdom cutting through the veil of ignorance. Hindu and Buddhist deities are often shown wielding or holding khanda swords in 18th/19th-century art. For the Sikhs, the Khanda holds a high place, as it was the weapon of choice in the Amrit ceremony (often referred to as Khanda-Ki-Pahul (nectar of the double-edged sword) and welded by the likes of Baba Deep Singh, the famous Sikh Saint-Soldier. Often the Patissa is linked with the Khanda as spine yelman tip edge ricasso they look very similar. The key difference is the width of the blade. The Patissa has a slimmer blade with a more triangular tip, whereas the Khanda is more rounded.

THIS EXAMPLE

Presented here is a fine Khanda. Arguably the best example of its kind on the market today. Unlike other Khanda, our example is a complete original with all original fittings - from hilt to blade. Usually, basket hilts and wootz blade and changed to form the Khande you see on the market. However, this is not the case for our example. It is entirely original and untouched. It is in fine condition with the gold work 95% in tact. The hilt and blade is in exceptional condition. The blade gradually widens towards the tip, where it terminates in a rounded point Indicating this Khanda was made for battle and to be utilised; rather than being a ceremonial example with no functional use. The blade has reinforcements in the form of a long langet at the base of the blade or reinforcing strips on either side of the blade. The koftgari on the reinforcements matches that of this hilt. The gold koftgari pattern is done in the Siyalkot fashion (where Sikh arms and armour were produced), indicates that this Khanda is from the Punjab region; and thus can be classed as a ‘Sikh Khanda’. The blade is made of boldly contrasting wootz with a cutting edge. The wootz is vivid and consistent throughout the entire length of the blade. The blade is without any fault and in spectacular condition. The hilt is completely in tact without any damage either. It is increasingly difficult to find a Khanda like this example - all original since the day it was manufactured and untouched ever since!  

Accompanied with a new period matching wooden scabbard wrapped in blood red velvet and fitted with a gold collar and chape. The golden wire braid down the centre is also anointed with 24c gold. 

CONCLUSION

One of the finest examples on the market. A fine Khanda perfect for any collection. Such examples seldom come to the market and are often now kept in private collection or held for investment purposes.