The shield was an integral part of Indian martial tradition until the 19th century. Even in an era dominated by firearms on the battlefield, Indian swordsmen continued to carry them.

Indian shields can be divided into two main groups: large shields, up to 60 cm in diameter (similar to a “targe”), and small fist shields, with a diameter of 20-30 cm (similar to a “buckler”).

Shields belonging to the first group were very widely used and are frequently depicted in battle scenes and historical descriptions. Their usage was generally straightforward; they were often simply moved behind the user for passive defense.

Shields of the second group, however, were more commonly used in training and fencing drills than in actual combat. Consequently, the techniques for their use are more developed and interesting.

Unlike large shields, the small fist shield is used actively. The hand holding the shield participates directly in all actions, both offensive and defensive. As with all other techniques, attacking and defensive actions are not isolated; one is always a part of, or a continuation of, the other. An attacking motion can become defensive and vice versa, depending on the specific requirements of the moment.

All fundamental hand techniques and movements (steps) are the same, whether wielding a weapon or fighting unarmed. For the hand holding the shield, the trajectories and accents of motion are identical to those of the hand holding a dagger (in dagger fighting) or the empty hand (in unarmed combat). The shield’s action is essentially a short, deflecting motion, knocking aside an opponent’s strike along its trajectory. As with all other techniques, these shield movements are performed simultaneously with body movement, stepping, and shifting body weight.

In all cases, the fist shield should not passively and directly receive an opponent’s strike. Without protective gloves (which, along with armor, were a privilege afforded to few), the wrist would quickly be damaged; a simple shock-absorbing pad between the fist and the shield would offer little protection against repeated, forceful impacts.

Only during initial training are the actions of the shield and sword alternated with one another. A separate, independent action by the shield (unless it is a deliberate feint) is a mistake, as it opens up opportunities for the enemy to launch more dangerous attacks.

Correct, coordinated action of the shield and talwar should be nearly simultaneous. This synergy can be described in musical terms as on-beat and off-beat:

If the defender is unprepared and the shield’s action becomes the primary means of defense (on-beat), the subsequent tulwar action will effectively be a follow-up motion, insuring against a repeat attack (off-beat). Conversely, if the defender anticipates the attack and the shield’s action serves only as a supporting, insuring movement (off-beat), primarily preparing for a counter, the ensuing sword strike will be a committed, offensive action to defeat the opponent (on-beat).

Employing a shield does not negate the possibility of parrying with the tulwar if it is more convenient at a particular moment. In principle, actions with a shield and tulwar are nearly identical to fighting with two tulwars simultaneously. This is why advanced fist shield technique is typically mastered only after one has learned to wield two tulwars.