Shivaji Maharaj expanded his empire up to Deccan and central India with his administration and military skills. He dominated the entire range of Sahyadris with valor and martial skills of his infantry and cavalry. He was also the inventor of the guerrilla style of fighting in which his soldiers used to ambush enemies without giving them any chance to retaliate, and disappear into the thick bushes taking advantage of darkness.
The weapons that he and his army used in guerrilla and pitched battle contributed a lot for the expansion of his empire. Here are the weapons of Shivaji Maharaj that are glorified in history.
Talwar
An Indian sword that was a quintessential weapon during the medieval war. It has a curved blade with its one projecting edge covered in a wooden or metal hilt and protected with a pommel. The hilt also consists of a knuckle guard. The talwar has a thick pointed tip that can pierce into the chest of enemies.
Firangi
This is a colloquial used to refer foreigners with white skin. It is a sword based on European design and hence is called 'firangi.' It has a straight blade that is sharp on one entire side and six inches from the top on the other side. This European sword also inspired Shivaji to make its variants in 'Bhavani' and 'Jagdamba' talwars.
Shamshir
While the origin of this sword is unknown, it has a Persian name 'Shamsir' because Seljuk Khanate, Islamic Seljuk Empire, brought it to Persia in the 12th century. Since Persian sword are usually straight, and Arabian sword curved, Shamshir sword had both the features, but with a curved hilt. Though the Persian used it for hunting, the Marathas did for fighting enemies.
Khanda
This sword has a sharp edge on both the sides. Its width is less at the handle, but grows large in length. Being broader at the middle and upper part, this sword was used to cut enemies into two pieces. It doesn't has a pointed tip.
Khanjar
It is a dagger mostly used in close combat. It is short in length, curved, double-edged, and with a pointed tip. Covered in a sheath, khanjar has its origin in Oman. But it has donned an Arabic name.
Kataar
This is another close combat weapon ideally used for piercing. It has a short blade with a 'H' shaped handle. Like the khanjar, it too is covered in a sheath. Being short, it is easy to mount near the waist and pull it out instantly when required.
Gupti
This is a short, pointed, but effective sword that is still used by gangsters. With its pointed tip, it can be easily pierced into the enemy's stomach. It is covered in a scabbard made of wood because of which it is difficult to guess whether a person is carrying a weapon or a stick.
Dhanushya-Baan (Bow and arrow)
This is a traditional weapon used to attack enemies from a long distance. The bow is of wooden which is heated-treated to make it flexible and give a curve shape. A string is attached tight to both its end that is instrumental in propelling the arrow.
Bichwa
It is an Indian dagger with one end curved and the other pointed out. It has a small looped hilt for easy gripping and piercing.
Kurhaad
It is a Marathi word for an axe and is generally a tool made of metal with a sharp and thick edge in a lunar shape mounted on a wooden shaft. Kurhaad is most effective in breaking the skull of enemies.
You May Also Like to Download: Shivcharitra
The weapons that he and his army used in guerrilla and pitched battle contributed a lot for the expansion of his empire. Here are the weapons of Shivaji Maharaj that are glorified in history.
Talwar
An Indian sword that was a quintessential weapon during the medieval war. It has a curved blade with its one projecting edge covered in a wooden or metal hilt and protected with a pommel. The hilt also consists of a knuckle guard. The talwar has a thick pointed tip that can pierce into the chest of enemies.
Firangi
This is a colloquial used to refer foreigners with white skin. It is a sword based on European design and hence is called 'firangi.' It has a straight blade that is sharp on one entire side and six inches from the top on the other side. This European sword also inspired Shivaji to make its variants in 'Bhavani' and 'Jagdamba' talwars.
Shamshir
While the origin of this sword is unknown, it has a Persian name 'Shamsir' because Seljuk Khanate, Islamic Seljuk Empire, brought it to Persia in the 12th century. Since Persian sword are usually straight, and Arabian sword curved, Shamshir sword had both the features, but with a curved hilt. Though the Persian used it for hunting, the Marathas did for fighting enemies.
Khanda
This sword has a sharp edge on both the sides. Its width is less at the handle, but grows large in length. Being broader at the middle and upper part, this sword was used to cut enemies into two pieces. It doesn't has a pointed tip.
Khanjar
It is a dagger mostly used in close combat. It is short in length, curved, double-edged, and with a pointed tip. Covered in a sheath, khanjar has its origin in Oman. But it has donned an Arabic name.
Kataar
This is another close combat weapon ideally used for piercing. It has a short blade with a 'H' shaped handle. Like the khanjar, it too is covered in a sheath. Being short, it is easy to mount near the waist and pull it out instantly when required.
Gupti
This is a short, pointed, but effective sword that is still used by gangsters. With its pointed tip, it can be easily pierced into the enemy's stomach. It is covered in a scabbard made of wood because of which it is difficult to guess whether a person is carrying a weapon or a stick.
Dhanushya-Baan (Bow and arrow)
This is a traditional weapon used to attack enemies from a long distance. The bow is of wooden which is heated-treated to make it flexible and give a curve shape. A string is attached tight to both its end that is instrumental in propelling the arrow.
Bichwa
It is an Indian dagger with one end curved and the other pointed out. It has a small looped hilt for easy gripping and piercing.
Kurhaad
It is a Marathi word for an axe and is generally a tool made of metal with a sharp and thick edge in a lunar shape mounted on a wooden shaft. Kurhaad is most effective in breaking the skull of enemies.
You May Also Like to Download: Shivcharitra
