page_title: Mardani khel
section_title: Weapons
hierarchical_section_title: Mardani khel / Weapons
caption_attribution_description: The Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, officially renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
context_page_description: Mardani khel is an armed Indian martial art from Maharashtra. It is particularly known for its use of the uniquely Indian patta and vita. The early history of mardani khel as a distinct system is difficult to trace prior to the 1600s, but it is said to owe its development to the particular geographic conditions of Maharashtra. A hilly region characterized by valleys and caves, the inhabitants became expert horsemen who favoured light armour and highly mobile cavalry units during war. Presently, the art is still practiced and taught in some cities like Kolhapur, Mumbai, Pune, etc. in Maharashtra.
context_section_description: Pata: sword with a hollow handle acting as a handguard
  Talwar: curved single-edge sword
  Bhala: short spear with a broad head, used by infantry
  Barcha: heavy spear made entirely of iron and wielded by infantry
  Vita: lance with a length of cord tying the weapon to the wielder’s hand
  Bothati: lance used from horseback
  Lathi: stick or staff
  Dhala: circular shield
  Madhu: a thrusting weapon inspired by deer horns
  Kurhad: axe
  Danda: battle-axe
  Khukuri: inward-curving knife
  Danushya: bow and arrow
  Katyara: push-dagger with a H-shaped handle
  Bagh naka: iron claw
  Bichuwa / Bichawa: scorpion knife
caption: Marathi weapons
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