Indian Swords.
Swords find mention in ancient sources as khadga खड्ग, asi असि, nistrimsha निस्त्रिंश, kauksheyaka कौक्षेयक, mandalagra मण्डलाग्र, karpala करपाल, kripan कृपाण. 1/n

The ancient straight broad Indian sword described by Megasthenes - ‘swords of a vast breadth, though not exceeding 3 cubits in length’. These correspond to the sword design found on Sanchi reliefs and in Acheamenid sculpture of Hindush Soldiers. 2/n

This straight broad sword was the proto-type of the later straight swords - the Khanda, Patisa, Dhup 3/n

The forward curve sword was also popular across ancient India. It survived in the form of sosun pata and Khukri, kora in the north, and Nandak type Nair and temple swords in the south. 4/n

The scimitar style tarawaari तरवारि, mandalagra मण्डलाग्र - single edged sword was the proto-type of the popular talwar type swords which were especially preferred by cavalry due to its enhanced slashing action from horseback. 4/n

Indian swords and blades made of wootz steel were popular trade items; were prestigious across the world. A sign of their reputation is the Arab male name Muhannad – lit. Indian Sword (still a popular name). Persian phrase -give an Indian answer meant to cut with a sword.5/n

1. Khanda
Khanda is the classical Indian sword. Straight broad blade was made for slashing rather than stabbing khanda literally means to split. It was especially popular among Rajputs.
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Ari Singh of Mewar practising swordplay.
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Marathas disfavored curved blades and favored Khanda like straight edged swords like the dhoop, patisa and firangana. 8/n

Firanganas straight edged foreign (often Portuguese) origin blades fixed with Khanda hilts were popular among Maratha armies. 9/n

Pata or dandpatta, the straight edged gauntlet sword also found favor among the Marathas. 10/n

The forward curved swords popular in ancient India which were mentioned earlier survived as
1. Sosun pata in North India
2. Khukri and Kora in Nepal and North India
3. Nair swords and temple type swords in South India
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The tulwar developed from the taravari is the most the popular Indian Sword. It has a less pronounced curve and a broader belly as compared to the Persian Shamshir.
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Maharao Ramsinghji of Bundi with a hefty talwar and a katar tucked in his belt
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Attendants of the Sumpta Raja armed with talwars wearing char-aina cuirass and plumed helmets. 14/n

India also had two handed massive swords like the European Zweihanders. This rarer form of Indian sword found usually in Central India and Rajasthan was a huge sword swung with both arms.
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The broad heavy execution swords were used to decapitate the convict in one fell swoop and was usually referred to as the tegha 16/n

A photograph of an official executioner at an Indian royal court.
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Sikkimese and Bhutanese swords were basically influenced by straight Tibetan swords. 18/n

Assamese hengdang was a two handed sword similar to the dha type swords of Myanmar and Thailand. 19/n

A unique sword Gayatri Nath Pant calls Pahari sword in his Indian Arms & Armour and locates its origin to Kumaon hills.
Elgood opines that these were symbols of royal authority like royal scepters rather than fighting weapons.