The spike or spine on the khanda pommel

Jim McDougall · 27th May 2019, 06:27 AM

Thanks very much Ibrahiim!
There are truly a number of considerations for the purpose or meaning of the stem or spike extension on the khanda, but these are a convention which seems to have arisen with the 'Hindu basket hilt'. This was of course the evolution of the guard system of the traditional khanda sword dating into ancient India, and is generally thought to have occurred post European contact.

The traditional khanda did seem to have the cup like pommel, but I am not aware of the spike feature on the pre 17th c. swords without finger guard plate (joining guard plate and pommel).

While the spike, as we have discussed surely may have been used in the manner suggested if of sufficient length, there are many variations where these are inadequate for such functions. With this being the case, we cannot say the spike was never used as a hand hold, it might have been done incidentally.

It is really helpful to have this kind of input here to review examples and references which give us a greater overview on these swords.

Bob A · 30th May 2019, 09:12 PM

While having no knowledge whatever regarding these hilts, I'm struck by two thoughts on the subject.

First, the gorgeous examples above appear to be "parade" or "display" weapons. I can't imagine using them in battle. One might infer that the protrusions would therefore be more fanciful than utilitarian.

Second, many of these swords which I've seen depicted, of a far lower level of adornment, seem to have more nearly straight protrusions. Going on the basis of form following function, I see them as useful in striking against an attack from behind or below the sword-bearer. A backhand blow would be more quickly delivered than a 180 degree turn to bring a long blade into action. A descending blow from the hilt, assuming a mounted or more elevated position of the sword-bearer, would certainly crush a skull, for example. The mass of the sword would enhance the force of the stroke.

Jim McDougall · 31st May 2019, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob A

While having no knowledge whatever regarding these hilts, I'm struck by two thoughts on the subject.

First, the gorgeous examples above appear to be "parade" or "display" weapons. I can't imagine using them in battle. One might infer that the protrusions would therefore be more fanciful than utilitarian.

Second, many of these swords which I've seen depicted, of a far lower level of adornment, seem to have more nearly straight protrusions. Going on the basis of form following function, I see them as useful in striking against an attack from behind or below the sword-bearer. A backhand blow would be more quickly delivered than a 180 degree turn to bring a long blade into action. A descending blow from the hilt, assuming a mounted or more elevated position of the sword-bearer, would certainly crush a skull, for example. The mass of the sword would enhance the force of the stroke.

Thank you Bob for these very astute observations, much appreciated. I think your points are well made, and I remain convinced that these protrusions COULD be used to grasp in an incidental situation, they were not made with such intent. Regarding the parade or ceremonial aspect, it is noted in a number of references that the 'stem' served as a hand rest.

One thing I noticed in recent research, there are 'khanda' (Hindu basket ) type hilts on maces as well as axes with combo firearms, and some of these have the same extension/protrusion on them out of the pommel. Clearly these would not serve for a 'two hand' stroke as suggested with the swords...at least not in the same sense.

27th May 2019, 06:27 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Thanks very much Ibrahiim! There are truly a number of considerations for the purpose or meaning of the stem or spike extension on the khanda, but these are a convention which seems to have arisen with the 'Hindu basket hilt'. This was of course the evolution of the guard system of the traditional khanda sword dating into ancient India, and is generally thought to have occurred post European contact. The traditional khanda did seem to have the cup like pommel, but I am not aware of the spike feature on the pre 17th c. swords without finger guard plate (joining guard plate and pommel). While the spike, as we have discussed surely may have been used in the manner suggested if of sufficient length, there are many variations where these are inadequate for such functions. With this being the case, we cannot say the spike was never used as a hand hold, it might have been done incidentally. It is really helpful to have this kind of input here to review examples and references which give us a greater overview on these swords.

30th May 2019, 09:12 PM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 446	While having no knowledge whatever regarding these hilts, I'm struck by two thoughts on the subject. First, the gorgeous examples above appear to be "parade" or "display" weapons. I can't imagine using them in battle. One might infer that the protrusions would therefore be more fanciful than utilitarian. Second, many of these swords which I've seen depicted, of a far lower level of adornment, seem to have more nearly straight protrusions. Going on the basis of form following function, I see them as useful in striking against an attack from behind or below the sword-bearer. A backhand blow would be more quickly delivered than a 180 degree turn to bring a long blade into action. A descending blow from the hilt, assuming a mounted or more elevated position of the sword-bearer, would certainly crush a skull, for example. The mass of the sword would enhance the force of the stroke.