Where Comfort Met Courage: The Cushioned Talwar Hilt Across Indian Kingdoms
Long before plastic grips or synthetic Hilts, Indian swordsmiths created cushioned hilts to ease the warrior’s grasp. These soft, fabric- or velvet-lined or pillow-like grips – often hidden inside the guard and knuckle bow – offered physical comfort and strong confidence during battle. One example notes that “the inside of the guard and bow is a red velvet cushion lined with leather,” highlighting the artisan’s care in crafting a secure, cushioned hold. Such padded designs absorbed shock, prevented blisters, and kept a firm, confident grip in the chaos of battle.
Beyond comfort, the cushioned hilt became a powerful symbol. In every community, the sword’s handle carried meaning: it stood for honor, legacy and the warrior’s inner courage. Rajput and Hindu warrior clans, for example, treated their blades with appreciation. As one account notes, “the Rajput warrior clans venerated the khanda as a weapon of great prestige,” often featuring it in ceremonies and art. Sikh warriors likewise enshrined the sword (kirpān) in their faith. Guru Gobind Singh made the curved talwar a compulsory article of faith in 1699, as part of the Khalsa’s Five Ks, teaching Sikhs to wield their sword with compassion and courage. In Sikh tradition even the special crutch-shaped pommel has its own name: “Zafar Takieh,” literally “cushion of victory,” referring to a princely short-sword whose padded and cushioned handle signifies victory.
Each region has its own martial terms and tales. In Marathas, the curved blade was often called a dhop or firang (especially if of foreign steel). Legend holds that an authentic Maratha dhoop was awarded only to the bravest fighters. Fighters like Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chattrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, hold a greatest and primary position in the field of fighters and warriors. Marathi sources describe this elite blade as “a symbol of shaurya (valor) and varasa (heritage)”, reserved for “valiant sardaran” (chiefs).
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Maratha Tradition
In Maharashtra, the talwar’s cushioned grip appears in the celebrated DHOP sword. Marathi histories call this “dhop” and note it was given only to heroic sardars; it literally embodied “shaurya” and “varasa” (courage and heritage). Even today, Maratha-style hilts (often wrapped in leather or velvet) are considered as family swords in which swords are passed to the next generations, as per the traditions of family.
Rajput/Hindu Tradition
For Rajput and other Hindu Kshatriya clans, the talwar or khanda was a badge of honor. The hilt – usually a stout iron crossguard with a disc pommel – was sometimes cord-wrapped or covered in stitched cloth for comfort and grip. Family legends and temples honor these swords. As noted above, Rajputs “venerated” the khanda’s prestige. Collectors today might look for an “Indian Rajput sword” or even spell it “Rajput sword” to find authentic patterns.
Sikh Tradition
The Sikh kirpān (ceremonial sword/knife) ties faith to function. Guru Gobind Singh taught that every Sikh must wear a curved blade as a sign of duty. The kirpān’s grip was often wrapped in cloth or leather, and some ceremonial swords had intricate velvet cushions inside the guard. One famed Sikh weapon is the Zafar Takieh (“cushion of victory”), a short sword with a crutch-like pommel – its very name linking the idea of victory to a padded support. In Sikh community this type of cushioned sword is termed as “KHANDA.” It signifies various duties and offers religious glories.
This “Khanda” has been used in many Sikh religious scriptures and holy books. One of the famous SRI DASAM GRANTH SAHIB JI states: “Asi Kripaan Khaando Khrhaga Tupaka Tabar Aru Teera.”
Shared Heritage
Whether called talwar, khanda, kirpān, or dhoop, the sword’s hilt ties all these communities together. It is a link between the ruthless edge of war and the human need for comfort. A Rajput ruler would dip his sword in offering, a Maratha general would insist on a snug grip, a Sikh saint would bless the kirpān at initiation — all understanding that the cushioned hilt carried honor as much as the blade did. Today, collectors and history buffs celebrate this common heritage. The very phrases “buy Maratha sword online” or “Maratha sword home delivery” remind us that these blades – and their gentle padded hilts – are more than relics. They are symbols of courage made hand-shaped for all of us.