War in Ancient India c6.s2.6

c6.s2.6

The next, śakti, is identified with the spear.⁴⁹ It was two cubits long and had an open and a broad mouth in shape like the leaf of a tree. Its ends resembled the udder of a cow and were four hastas in length. It required the use of both the hands. Six kinds of position regarding this are given. The blade was of metal and the handle of wood. This as well as the Bhindipāla are mentioned also by Kauṭalya. Kālidāsa puts its use for cutting open the body.⁵⁰