Chakram
| Chakram | |
|---|---|
 Sikhs with chakrams, inscribed Nihang Abchal Naga (Nihang from Hazur Sahib), 1844 | |
| Type | Circular throwing weapon |
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Production history | |
| Variants |
|
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 200 to 400 g (7.1 to 14.1 oz) |
| Diameter | 12 to 30 cm (4.7 to 11.8 in) |
| Maximum firing range | 100 m (330 ft)+ |
The chakram (Sanskrit: cakra, cakram; Punjabi: cakkra, cakkram) is a traditional throwing weapon originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is a flat, circular projectile with a sharpened outer edge, typically measuring 12 to 30 cm (4.7 to 11.8 in) in diameter and weighing between 200 to 400 g (7.1 to 14.1 oz). It is also known as chalikar, meaning "circle", and was sometimes referred to in English writings as a "battle quoit" or "war-quoit".
The chakram is primarily a throwing weapon but can also be used in hand-to-hand combat. A smaller variant called a chakri is worn on the wrist. A related polearm variant is the chakri dang, a bamboo staff with a chakri attached at one end.