War in Ancient India c6.s3.53

c6.s3.53

The Purāṇic literature knows of different varieties of swords.⁹³ Those which were manufactured in Khaṭi and Khaṭṭara were famous for their lustre, those of Kaiśika for power in felling, of Sūrpāraka for durability, and of Vanga and Anga for sharpness. The best swords were those which measured fifty fingers in length. The rest were inferior. The inferior ones must not be used. The test of a good sword was that it must not only be sufficiently long but when used in any way must produce a ring sound. The sword that had an end like the edge of a lotus was an auspicious one. The sword was generally worn on the left side hanging from the belt, the scabbard being held in the left hand. The use of it consisted in rending, cutting, lopping, and striking the enemy. The *Śukranīti* speaks of it as four *hastas* in measurement and of keen edges. A sword was valuable for the acquisition of wealth, kingdom, fame and the destruction of the enemy. A sword was to be made of iron and was of the colour of the cuckoo's neck. Its blade should be like the petal of a lotus. It should be deep inside, bulging in the middle, with keen edges and with no blot of any kind; natural symbols were also said to be visible on it from which its value could be determined. So whenever kings used it they should get it previously examined as to its qualities.⁹⁴