Man vs. Machine: Sikh Chakkar

Yesterday a friend sent me a link to a fascinating episode of a Discovery Channel program.  The “Weapon Masters” series looks at various pre-industrial weaponry and their historical development, usage, and production.  For the “entertainment” value, it pits traditional usage against a ‘pimped’ up version using modern machine-technology.

The show’s summary states:

Weapon Masters explores the history and science of ten weapons of the ancient world. Hosting the series is internationally known weapons expert and historian, Mike Loades. In each hour-long episode, Mike travels to a different international location to examine one particular ancient weapon and learn first-hand about the cultures where the weapon was used. He is assisted by an expert who demonstrates the techniques behind each weapon. He then challenges his co-host and master craftsman, Chad, to improve upon it using modern manufacturing techniques and materials. [link]

In a recent episode, aired in England, the subject was the quoit or Sikh Chakkar / Chakkram.

The episode sees the entertaining (albeit at times dorky!) host, Mike Loades, an internationally known weapons expert and historian, go to Punjab to understand the history of the Sikh Chakkar / Chakkram (Sikh quoit):

Mike travelled to Punjab to meet with Nidar Singh Nihang, a master swordsman who has spent the last twenty years researching the history, philosophy, and unique warrior traditions of the Akali-Nihang Sikh. With assistance from the Akali-Nihang community in Punjab, Nidar Singh taught Mike the various chakram techniques used in battle by the Akali-Nihangs; “In India I met the Akali Nihangs, a nomadic sect of Sikh warriors, from whom I learned various techniques for throwing the chakram – a razor edged steel battle quoit – both on foot and from horses and elephants!” [link]

The show is well-worth a watch.  And yes I do know who Niddar Singh is before I get some emails.  And no I do not subscribe to his loony ideologies.

For American viewers, the Discovery Channel’s premiere is scheduled for October 26th at 9pm.  Watch the video link provided or watch the episode as it airs.  I’d love to hear your comments.