Synopsis A soldier values his sword almost as much as his life and a Rajput's most powerful and binding oath was by his sovereign's throne ('gadi ki an') or by his arms ('ya sil ki an') or by his sword and shield ('dhal talwar ki an'). Akbar's swords had names and ranks assigned to them and these were sent by rotation each night to his bed chamber. This book traces the development of the weapons of the Indian warrior, from the earliest to modern times, and also provides illustrations of a wide variety of the arms and armour discussed.