Gurj

 

INTRODUCING THE MACE

The particular Gurj is an adaptation of the traditional style Gada (mace). The Traditional Gada holds its origins in the Indian subcontinent and is associated with various Indian figures. The gada is a mallet or blunt mace from the Indian subcontinent. Made either of wood or metal, it consists essentially of a spherical head mounted on a shaft, with a spike on the top. The traditional style gada is the main weapon of the Deity Hanuman. Vishnu also carries a gada named Kaumodaki in one of his four hands. In literature, particularly in the Mahabharata, Bhima, Duryodhana and Jarasandha amongst others, were masters of the gada.

A BASKET HILT

This Large Gurj has a steel Khanda-style (basket hilt) hilt. The gurj head has six thin flanges of rounded outline, with a spike at the end truncated (un-screwable), ideal for striking. As the flanges are large, it makes the mace weighted towards the bottom (by design). In India, a lot of weapons underwent a change where Tulwar style hilts were added, as it allowed for a better grip. The hilt in the typical style of khanda swords, has a broad and engraved hand guard to one side and a long spike gently curved on the pommel; allowing for an excellent grip. Thoroughly cleaned and restored, giving the mace a great aesthetic look and feel.

CONCLUSION

This Gruj is a fantastic addition to any collection and true fighting weapon, perfect for using in gada-yuddha (mace martial arts). Various gada-yuddha techniques are mentioned in the Agni Purana and Mahabharata such as aahat (आहत), gomutra (गोमूत्र), prabrita (प्रभृत), kamalasan (कमलासन), udarvagatra (ऊर्ध्वगत्र), namita (नमित), vamadakshina (वामदक्षिण), aavrita (आवृत्त), paraavrita (परावृत्त), padodrita (पदोद्धृत), avaplata(अवप्लत), hansmarga (हंसमार्ग) and vibhag (विभाग).