Khadgalaksana Siromani of Navanappa Telugu Text, Introduction, English Translation (Eighteenth Century Treatise on Sword)

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The sword is a weapon of self-defence and used in single combat fighting. It is used for cutting, slashing and thrusting purposes. Sword was the most common weapon used by the infantry and the cavalry in the wars throughout the world. It became the principal weapon of India since Vedic period. This weapon gained supreme importance in the progress of human life. This became sign of security, progress and protection of one's own life, family and clan. "The swords are made of metal blades varying in length, breadth and configuration. It is longer than a dagger, fitted with hilt or handle and equipped with a guard" (Encyclopedia of Britannica, vol. X 1973 publication). The word 'asi' mentioned in Telugu literature denotes 'sword" The generic name of sword was khadga (in Sanskrit), tegha (in Arabic). samsir (in Persian), talvar (in Hindi). People of India popularly used talvår The Sanskrit word 'khadga' means a sword with broad blade. The "khadgamu" in Telugu derived from Sanskrit word, 'khadga.

Much information regarding swords is available in ancient Sanskrit literature. These are Agnipurana, Mahabharata, Brhatsamhita, Sukraniti, Manosollasa, Viramitrodayam, and Sivatattvaratnakara. These ancient books contained only certain information regarding swords. However, scientific or technical description such as exact measurements, identity marks or any composition of metal or material are not discussed. There was no exclusive scientific treatise known on swords until 18th century.

Generally, weapons were classified into three categories in Sukraniti. They are Muktha (Dischargeable), Amuktha (Non-dischargeable) and Mukthamuktha (Having both the qualities of dischargeable and non- dischargeable). These three categories enumerated 32 types of weapons. No. 13 in this text has also traditionally listed them as of 32 types. These 32 types were also mentioned in several medieval Telugu literary texts (Hamsavimsathi vs. 205, 206 canto-1, Rayavachkamu, vs. 37, Krsnarayavijayamu - vs. 27, canto-III. It is also mentioned in Kuvalayasvacaritra, Thapathisamvaranamu and Candrikaparinayumu) There are differences in swords pertaining to their place of origin, make or manufacture, size, shape, length, breadth, sharpness, weight, civil, and ceremonial use. The method to identify these swords by their differences in size, symbols and names are described in Khadgalaksanamu". It has mentioned about 140 names of the swords with their description and identification. The names given to the swords depended upon the manufacture of the place, shape of the sword or names of great personalities (Sangrahandhara Vigyana Kosamu Vol VI, p. 229). The metal of the sword from where it was extracted judged the quality and the shades of the sword. The steel quality of a sword was also derived from its length, breadth, sides, pointed endings, proportional thickness, edges, side slopes, lines, marks, bent, stripes, shades of the steel, surface, crippleness, lightness and crookedness. Moreover, the swordsmen were expected to be conversant with the qualities, measurements, its constituent metals, the place of its manufacture and its configuration.

The swords were manufactured all over in India. India was famous for its iron since time immemorial. The quality of sword depended upon the purity and character of the wootz-steel. The superiority was assessed by its razor edge, sharpness and curvature of the blade. Indian native wootz steel ingots are exported to Middle East and from there fine varieties of damascened, watered blades were available since damascened steel blades were high in demand. The Deccan wootz steel was exported to Damascus, Middle East and Europe. Fakhr-1-Mudabbir considered that "the Indian swords were the best" and it says, "The Damascened swords (maujdaryd) was the rarest and fetched the highest price" (Mohammed Bin Mansur, Fakhr-i-Mudabbir (1157- 1230 A.D.; Ablab-ul-Harb Wash Shujah A Treatise on the Custom and Rules connected with the Wars: Notes on technical side of drilling of troops and their organization].