Chakram
The chakram is a steel thrown weapon with it's
origins in India. Most commonly used by the Sikhs during and after the
16th century, it is also seen in Indian folklore, including one whimsical
eclipse myth where an asura tries to swallow the moon before having his head
cut of by a chakram. It was used in battle against the Moghul dynasty by
the Sikhs under Guru Govind Singh.
The weapon has the appearance of
a flat metal quoit, between 6 and 8 inches in diameter, and is usually
constructed of steel or brass. The outer edge of the chakram is
sharpened, and sometimes serrated. The surface is often engraved
decoratively, and are sometimes inlaid with silver or gold. In a few
examples, there are holes drilled in them, which causes the weapon to make a
high pitched whistling sound when thrown. A cross section of the chakram
reveals a triangular shape with a razor sharp edge, and a flat lower
surface. A couple of rare examples exist where the ring seems to have been
formed over a sphere, making an elliptical cross section.
There are
two known methods for throwing the chakram. One is to whirl the weapon
around the forefinger before releasing it, and the other is to throw it
frisbee-style. It can be thrown accurately for 60 to 100 metres.