A Note on the Khatvanga
By Harihara V. Trivedi
Summary
Responding to an earlier article, this note discusses whether the khatvanga—Śiva’s skull‑topped staff—served as a Pallava emblem. The author agrees that the symbol appears among Pallava insignia but questions the argument that its absence in certain temple sculptures can be explained by the word paninda (serpent) in a hymn. He contends that the association of the khatvanga with a serpent is not essential and that the term paninda more likely refers to other iconographic elements. Cautioning against over‑interpreting ambiguous evidence, the note emphasises the need for multiple sources when attributing dynastic symbols to specific motifs.
Conclusion
The author concludes that while the khatvanga was indeed used by Pallava rulers, its identification cannot rest solely on linguistic conjecture; rigorous analysis of inscriptions and art is required.