India has a rich history of warriors and kings known for their exceptional strength, valor, and martial skills. Some of them were famous for wielding extraordinarily heavy swords, often weighing between 30 kg to 100 kg, making them legendary figures in Indian warfare history. These warriors not only possessed physical prowess but also mastered various Indian martial arts to enhance their combat skills.
Let’s explore these iconic kings, their massive swords, and the martial arts they practiced.
1. Maharana Pratap (1540–1597) – The Warrior of Mewar
Sword Details:
- Maharana Pratap, the legendary Rajput warrior of Mewar, was known for carrying two swords, each weighing approximately 25 kg.
- His armor weighed about 72 kg, and his spear weighed 80 kg, making his battle gear incredibly heavy.
- These weapons, preserved in the City Palace Museum in Udaipur, showcase his formidable strength.
Martial Arts Practiced:
- Dhanurveda – The ancient Indian science of warfare, which includes archery, sword fighting, and horse riding.
- Gatka – A Sikh and Rajput martial art focusing on sword techniques, still practiced in India.
Maharana Pratap’s unmatched bravery was displayed in the Battle of Haldighati (1576), where he fought against the Mughals with sheer determination.
2. Prithviraj Chauhan (1149–1192) – The Last Hindu King of Delhi
Sword Details:
- Prithviraj Chauhan’s sword, preserved in Ajmer, is known for its massive size and weight, making it one of the heaviest battle swords of its time.
- He was a skilled warrior who defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain (1191) before eventually being captured.
Martial Arts Practiced:
- Shastra Vidya – The ancient Rajput fighting technique focusing on swordplay, archery, and battlefield strategies.
- Kalaripayattu (influenced by Southern warriors) – A highly advanced form of Indian martial arts with extensive sword and shield techniques.
Prithviraj Chauhan’s story is legendary, with folklore stating that even after losing his eyesight, he could still aim and shoot an arrow accurately.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680) – The Maratha Lion
Sword Details:
- Shivaji Maharaj’s famous sword, “Bhawani Talwar,” weighed around 35 kg and was a symbol of his divine strength.
- It was believed to have been blessed by Goddess Bhavani, which is why he named it after her.
- His guerrilla warfare tactics, known as Ganimi Kava, helped him establish the Maratha Empire.
Martial Arts Practiced:
- Mardani Khel – A traditional Indian martial art focusing on sword fighting, lathi (stick combat), and horse-mounted combat.
- Dhanurveda – Mastery of archery and swordsmanship.
Shivaji Maharaj was not just a warrior but also a brilliant strategist who defeated the Mughals and expanded the Maratha kingdom.
4. Raja Raja Chola I (947–1014 AD) – The Emperor of South India
Sword Details:
- The Chola dynasty was known for its advanced metallurgy, and Raja Raja Chola I wielded a massive sword during battles.
- The Cholas were pioneers in wielding heavy double-edged swords, which were specifically designed for close combat.
Martial Arts Practiced:
- Silambam – A highly skilled Tamil Nadu martial art that involves fighting with swords and sticks.
- Varma Kalai – A South Indian martial art focused on pressure points and deadly strikes.
Raja Raja Chola’s military campaigns extended the Chola Empire across Sri Lanka, Maldives, and parts of Southeast Asia, making him one of the greatest Indian rulers.
5. Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1760–1799) – The Freedom Fighter
Sword Details:
- Veerapandiya Kattabomman, a warrior king from Tamil Nadu, carried a massive sword and fought against British colonial forces.
- His legendary sword is preserved in Tamil Nadu museums and symbolizes his bravery.
Martial Arts Practiced:
- Silambam – An ancient martial art using swords and long sticks, originating from Tamil Nadu.
- Kuthu Varisai – A traditional unarmed combat system often combined with weapons.
Kattabomman’s rebellion against the British in 1799 made him a significant figure in India’s struggle for independence.
6. Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) – The Warrior Guru
Sword Details:
- Guru Gobind Singh carried multiple heavy swords, including the famous Khanda, which was central to the Sikh martial tradition.
- Some of his swords are preserved in Sikh gurudwaras and museums, showcasing his warrior legacy.
Martial Arts Practiced:
- Gatka – The Sikh martial art focusing on sword fighting, stick combat, and hand-to-hand combat.
- Shastar Vidya – A traditional Indian martial art that teaches the use of swords, daggers, and other weapons.
Guru Gobind Singh transformed the Sikhs into the Khalsa, a warrior community that defended India from invaders.
Conclusion:
These legendary Indian kings and warriors were not only famous for wielding heavy swords but also mastered various martial arts that enhanced their combat effectiveness. From Maharana Pratap’s dual swords to Shivaji Maharaj’s Bhawani Talwar, their weapons symbolized bravery, strength, and the rich warrior culture of India.
Their legacy continues to inspire modern-day martial artists and historians, reminding us of India’s glorious past.
