GADA

The gada (Sanskrit: गदा gadā, meaning mace) is a weapon of Indo-Iranian origin. The first written sources mentioning the implement date to around 1500–1000 BCE. Among the Vedas, it is referenced in one of the upavedas known as the Dhanurveda, though that text contains no technical description. The Agni Purana and the great epic Mahabharata are the first writings to describe in greater detail the combat movements performed with the gada. The art of fighting with the gada is called gada-yuddha. Living martial arts that continue to this day, such as Kalaripayattu and Angampora, also incorporate mace combat. Over time, the gada gradually transformed from a weapon of war into a training implement. The Malla Purana — composed in the 13th century and recording the rules and training methods of Indian wrestling (malla-yuddha) — already mentions it in this role: wrestlers would swing it as a strength exercise during their preparation. The gada also holds an important symbolic place in Hinduism. It is best known as an attribute of Vishnu — the god's gada, named Kaumodaki, symbolizes cosmic power, law, and justice. It also appears in association with Hanuman and other deities, generally as a symbol of martial strength and protection.