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Barcha
A barcha, barsha or brchha is a type of lance with a wooden handle, once common in South Asia (the word itself is Hindi). They were common in the 16th century. Use in combat The weapon found itself very handy with the emerging Marathas in the early seventeenth century. It was lighter to carry in the mountainous terrain and easier to manufacture. A skilled spearman (bhalaeet) could keep a heavily armed foot soldier at bay. With his slashing and thrusting motions, he could inflict much damage while surrounded by a number of swordsmen. The illustrious use of this weapon is recorded in the last stages of Third Battle of Panipat by the Maratha general Sadashivrao Bhau. Another version of this weapon is the ballam, a javelin effectively used to bring down infantry and cavalrymen at a distance. Use in magic The barcha is also considered a magical weapon used in a shaman's education. Along with ''purbe'', a wooden ritual knife, and ''thudung'', a drum, the lance was taught to the guru's ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Barcha (surname)
Barcha is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Mercedes Barcha (1932–2020), Colombian author's wife * Rodrigo García Barcha (born 1959), Colombian-Mexican television and film director, screenwriter, author, and cinematographer * Stephan Barcha (born 1989), Brazilian show jumping rider See also * Barchas, another surname * Barchi, another surname {{surname ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Guru
Guru ( ; International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration, IAST: ''guru'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian religions, Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverential figure to the disciple (or ''wikt:शिष्य, shisya'' in Sanskrit, literally ''seeker [of knowledge or truth'']) or student, with the guru serving as a "counsellor, who helps mould values, shares experiential knowledge as much as Knowledge#Hinduism, literal knowledge, an Role model, exemplar in life, an inspirational source and who helps in the spiritual evolution of a student". Whatever language it is written in, Judith Simmer-Brown says that a tantra, tantric spiritual text is often codified in an obscure twilight language so that it cannot be understood by anyone without the verbal explanation of a qualified teacher, the guru. A guru is also one's spiritual guide, who helps one to discover the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Indian Martial Arts
Indian martial arts refers to the fighting systems of the Indian subcontinent. A variety of terms are used for the English phrases "Indian martial arts", deriving from ancient sources. While they may seem to imply specific disciplines (e.g. archery, armed combat), by Classical times they were used generically for all fighting systems. Among the most common terms today, '' śastra-vidyā'', is a compound of the words ' (weapon) and ' (knowledge). ''Dhanurveda'' derives from the words for bow (') and knowledge ('), the "science of archery" in Puranic literature, later applied to martial arts in general. The Vishnu Purana text describes dhanuveda as one of the traditional eighteen branches of "applied knowledge" or upaveda, along with ''shastrashāstra'' or military science. A later term, ''yuddha kalā'', comes from the words ''yuddha'' meaning fight or combat and ''kalā'' meaning art or skill. The related term ''śastra kalā'' (lit. weapon art) usually refers specifically to ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Lance
The English term lance is derived, via Middle English '' launce'' and Old French '' lance'', from the Latin '' lancea'', a generic term meaning a wikt:lancea#Noun">lancea'', a generic term meaning a spear">wikt:lancea#Noun">lancea'', a generic term meaning a spear or javelin employed by both infantry">spear or javelin">spear">wikt:lancea#Noun">lancea'', a generic term meaning a spear or javelin employed by both infantry and cavalry, with English initially keeping these generic meanings. It developed later into a term for spear-like weapons specially designed and modified to be part of a "weapon system" for use couched under the arm during a charge, being equipped with special features such as grappers to engage with lance rests attached to breastplates, and vamplates, small circular plates designed to prevent the hand sliding up the shaft upon impact. These specific features were in use by the beginning of the late 14th century. Though best known as a military and sporting ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
16th-century Introductions
The 16th century began with the Julian year 1501 (represented by the Roman numerals MDI) and ended with either the Julian or the Gregorian year 1600 (MDC), depending on the reckoning used (the Gregorian calendar introduced a lapse of 10 days in October 1582). The Renaissance in Italy and Europe saw the emergence of important artists, authors and scientists, and led to the foundation of important subjects which include accounting and political science. Copernicus proposed the heliocentric universe, which was met with strong resistance, and Tycho Brahe refuted the theory of celestial spheres through observational measurement of the 1572 appearance of a Milky Way supernova. These events directly challenged the long-held notion of an immutable universe supported by Ptolemy and Aristotle, and led to major revolutions in astronomy and science. Galileo Galilei became a champion of the new sciences, invented the first thermometer and made substantial contributions in the fields of phy ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Trishula
The ''trishula'' () is a trident, a divine symbol, commonly used as one of the principal symbols in Hinduism. It is most commonly associated with the deity Shiva and widely employed in his iconography. Etymology The name ''trishula'' ultimately derives from the Sanskrit word त्रिशूल (triśūla), from त्रि (trí), meaning "three", and शूल (śū́la), meaning "a sharp iron pin or stake", referring in this case to the weapon's three prongs. Symbolism The ''trishula'' has a number of interpretations in Hindu belief. The three points of the weapon have various meanings and significance have many stories behind them. They are commonly said to represent various trinities: creation, preservation, and destruction; past, present, and future; body, mind and atman; Dharma (law and order), bliss/mutual enjoyment and emanation/created bodies; compassion, joy and love; spiritual, psychic and relative; happiness, comfort and boredom; pride, repute and egotism ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Katar (dagger)
The katar is a type of push dagger from the Indian subcontinent. The weapon is characterized by its H-shaped horizontal hand grip which results in the blade sitting above the user's knuckles. Unique to the Indian subcontinent, it is the most famous and characteristic of Indian daggers. Ceremonial katars were also used in worship. Etymology Having originated in South India, the weapon's earliest name-form was likely the Tamil language, Tamil (). It is alternatively known in Tamil as () which means "stabbing blade". This was adapted into Sanskrit as () or . The name however is of Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan origin, which means Tamil loaned the word from them. Other regional names for the weapon include () in Kannada, () in Telugu language, Telugu, () in Malayalam, () in Marathi language, Marathi, , () in Punjabi language, Panjabi, and kirat Dewan language, (chhuiket) in Nepal () or in Hindi. History The katar was created in South India, Southern India, its earlies ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Chakram
The chakram (; ) is a throwing weapon from the Indian subcontinent. It is circular with a sharpened outer edge and a diameter of . It is also known as ''chalikar'' meaning "circle", and was sometimes referred to in English writings as a "war- quoit". The chakram is primarily a throwing weapon, but can also be used hand-to-hand. A smaller variant called ''chakri'' is worn on the wrist. A related weapon is the ''chakri dong'', a bamboo staff with a ''chakri'' attached at one end. History The earliest references to the chakram come from the fifth century BC Indian epics ''Mahabharata'' and ''Ramayana'', where the Sudarshana Chakra is the weapon of the god Vishnu. Contemporaneous Tamil poems from the second century BC record it as ''thikiri'' (திகிரி). ''Chakra-dhāri'' ("chakram-wielder" or "disc-bearer") is a name for Krishna. The chakram was later used extensively by the Sikhs at least until the days of Ranjit Singh. Even in present days, the Nihangs wear chakkar on ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bagh Nakh
The bagh nakh, vagh nakh, or vagh nakhya (, , , , lit. tiger claw) is a fist-load, claw-like dagger, originating from the Indian subcontinent, designed to fit over the knuckles or be concealed under and against the palm. It consists of four or five curved blades affixed to a crossbar or glove and is designed to slash through skin and muscle. It is believed to have been inspired by the armament of big cats, and the term ''bagh nakh'' itself means tiger's claw in Hindi. History There are conflicting reports of the time period in which the bagh nakh first appeared. Poisoned bagh nakh had been used by the Rajput clans for assassinations. The most well-known usage of the weapon was by the first Maratha leader Shivaji who used a bichuwa and bagh nakh to kill the Bijapur general Afzal Khan. It is a popular weapon among the Nihang Sikhs who wear it in their turbans and often hold one in their left hand while wielding a larger weapon such as a sword in the right hand. It is recommended t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Lohgarh (Bilaspur)
Lohgarh is a historic town in Bilaspur tehsil of Haryana in India. It was the capital of First Sikh State under Baba Banda Singh Bahadur from 1710 to 1716. Locations It is situated on an elevated summit at the steps of Himalayas, about halfway between Nahan in Himachal Pradesh and Sadaura in Haryana about 21 miles from Sadaura, it could be approached only by curly rocks and ravines. From Chandigarh to Raipur Rani, Sadhaura, Bilaspur, Haryana, Kapal Mochan, Lohgarh Sahib. From other parts of Haryana of Uttar Pradesh, proceed to Sadhaura. [Now, in 2018, a 40 feet wide road has been built from village Bhagwanpur to Lohgarh]. History The ''Lohgarh Sahib'' (meaning ''Iron Fort'') about 30 kilometres from Sadaura was made by Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara under instructions from Guru Hargobind. Its construction began sometimes in 1620s and was finally completed in 1710.Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer, Gagandeep Singh & Gurvinder Singh: LOHGARH - the largest fort of the world, 2018, published by Ha ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bachittar Singh
Bhai Bachittar Singh (6 May 1664 – 22 December 1705), often known with the honorific "Shaheed" (martyr), was a Sikh hero and a general of Guru Gobind Singh. His father was Bhai Mani Singh and he came from Alipur Riyasat Multan. Biography Bhai Bachittar Singh was the son of Bhai Mani Singh. He made a name for himself when he single-handedly defeated a drunken elephant let loose by the Army of the Mughal Empire during the siege of Lohgarh. Death An account cited that after Singh fought on the bank of a stream called Sarsa, where all of his companions perished, he was wounded during an encounter with the Mughal army on his way to Ropar. Bachittar Singh's wounds proved to be fatal. He succumbed to his injuries and died on 8 December 1705. Nihang Khan had the cremation performed secretly the following night. See also * Nihang Khan * Kotla Nihang Khan Fort * Sikh Ajaibghar References * "Regional Briefs: Punjab", ''The Tribune ''The Tribune'' or ''Tribune'' is the name of v ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Sikhs
Sikhs (singular Sikh: or ; , ) are an ethnoreligious group who adhere to Sikhism, a religion that originated in the late 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, based on the revelation of Guru Nanak. The term ''Sikh'' has its origin in the Sanskrit word ', meaning 'seeker', or . According to Article I of Chapter 1 of the Sikh Rehat Maryada, Sikh ''Rehat Maryada'' (), the definition of Sikh is: Any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib The Guru Granth Sahib The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and The initiation, known as the Amrit Sanskar, Amrit Sanchar, bequeathed by the tenth Guru and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion, is a Sikh. Male Sikhs generally have ''Singh'' () as their last name, though not all Singhs are necessarily Sikhs; likewise, female Sikhs have ''Kaur'' () as their last name. These unique last names were given by the Gurus to ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
