The oldest and most typical of Indian swords.

It as a broad, straight blade, usually widening towards the point, which is generally quite blunt. Sometimes it is double-edged; but it generally has a strengthening plate with ornamental borders on the back for a considerable part of its length. The hilt has a broad plate guard, and a wide finger guard which is joined to the large round, flat pommel. There is a spike on the pommel which acts as a guard for the arm, and for a grip for the left hand when making a two-handed stroke. It is also used as a hand rest when the sword is sheathed. The inside of the guard and finger plate are padded. The khanda is the national sword of Orissa, but is very generally used by Sikhs, Rajputs and Maharattas.