War Quoit (chakar)

The chakar is often associated with Sikhs, but its origins lie in earlier subcontinental mythology and history. In Hindu mythology, the disc is closely associated with the god Vishnu, who is known as a chakardhar or disc bearer. Throughout South Asian history, these metal rings were highly effective defensive and offensive weapons, as their sharp edges could easily lacerate the skin of enemies, resulting in festering infections. In the nineteenth century, chakars became decorative objects, reflecting the shift from a period of unrest to one of increased prosperity and political stability. European visitors to Punjab and the subcontinent were often fascinated by this local weapon, which they understood as a war quoit. This particular chakar would have been part of a larger set adorning the conical turbans of the Sikh warrior orders known as the Akalis or Nihangs.