Gaudapedia

Traditional attire of Warriors of Bengal/Gauda. From ancient period to medieval period , Gauda warriors used to have 16 types of weapons . (There is more than 16 types of weapon, usually a set contains 16 types which also includes warrior ornaments). Some of the ornaments are:  - Hoda - Ghonta mala (bell)  - Bagha-pati  - Bala (bracelet)  - Bahuti (armlet)  Apart from these many weapons included in the set of Gauda warriors. Eg: Kharpara , Dhaal (shield) , Ulotadhaar Tarabari (reverse edged sword). Ten God and Goddess were Kshetra-pala of ten directions during the expedition of Gauda warriors. Simply each direction is dedicated to one God .  Eg: During expedition to Aishanya direction, the Dhali-s worship Maa Chamunda and she provides them power to focus on the battle. ( ● )   Bengali Infantry Army : In the Gauda Empire the infantrymen mainly served as foot soldiers from peasant & pastoral backgrounds. Soldiers from Kaibarttya, Mahishya...

In the list of Military castes cited in the 1891 census general report, the Aguris (Ugra Kshatriyas), Poliyas (Pundra Kshatriyas) & Koches (Vanga Kshatriyas) were selected as the Martial castes of Bengal.  * 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐲𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 * The Mahishyas (Chandravamsha) are the early noted Bengali martial caste in the British chronicles. The combined army of Tamaluk & Mahishadal Estates formed the Mahishya regiment in British Indian Bengal Army. They were trained in advanced western military training. Ruins of the Tamaluk Rajbari The Mahishya Regiment was charged to suppress the mutiny of tyrant Tipu Sultan in Mysore where the brave soldiers of Bengali Mahishya regiment showed excellent dexterity in battlefield. British General John Shore thankfully honoured the Maharaja of Tamaluk for this military favour. The Royal Palace of Mahishadal Estate   ● Bengali Kshatriya (martial caste) surnames - * Singha * Aditya   *...

Dhali : The Shield Holder Infantry Warriors of Bengal   * 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐧 : Dhali  * 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 : Bengal, eastern & southern region  * 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 : Shield, Khadga & Spear  * 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 : Red, White & Black  * 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥 : Kaliyantra, Tiger & Snake  🛡️ The Ḍhālīs are very prominent ancient shield-bearing infantry warrior martial clan of Bengal. The word 'Dhali' originated from 'Ḍhāla' (ঢাল/ढाल) that means Shield or Armour. In Baṅghāl, mostly in southern or eastern region the Dhalis were recognised as Shield bearer elite soldiers who stood guard in front of the army and led the infantry. 🛡️ A wealthy Dhali soldier would likely have a complete ensemble of a spear, a wooden shield, a Khadga and either a bow or a sword. Shields & Spears were considered the "normal weapon" for middle class Dhalis. Swords were normally reserved for upper class and nobles.  🛡️ Dhali sol...