Hengdang

{{Short description|Single edged sword with long handle from India}}

File:Ahom hengdang and sword.jpg

The Hengdang (Assamese: হেংদাং) is a single edged sword with a long handle used by the Ahoms in India. The handle and the scabbard were designed in gold, silver or wood according to the position of the person. It is similar in many ways to the Burmese or Thai Dha, or a samurai sword, the Katana.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/ahom-sword-rises-from-watery-grave/cid/1529188|title=Ahom sword rises from watery grave|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-20}} The hengdang was used as a special kind of sword which was used by high-ranking officials of the Ahom Kingdom like the Swargadeo (King), Premier, Prime Minister, Commander and Sub-Commander.{{Cite book|title=Martial traditions of North East India|date=2006|publisher=Concept Pub. Co|others=Dutta, Sristidhar, 1945-, Tripathy, Byomakesh., Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (Kolkata, India), Arunachal University. Department of History.|isbn=81-8069-335-X|location=New Delhi|oclc=74990189}} It has ceremonial use today in the Ahom weddings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.esamskriti.com/essay-chapters.aspx?sectionname=Culture&subsectionname=Ceremonies&topicname=AHOMS-and-CHAK~LONG-THE-UNIQUE-TRADITIONAL-MARRIAGE-SYSTEM&chapter=1|title=AHOMS and CHAK-LONG THE UNIQUE TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE SYSTEM|website=www.esamskriti.com|language=en-us|access-date=2020-03-20}}

File:Hengdang.jpg

File:Lachit Borphukan and His Army.jpg's statue with a Hengdang in his hand.]]