# Keteriya

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{{Short description|Ancient weapon}}{{refimprove|date=May 2014}}
The '''keteriya''' is a form of battle axe that was used in ancient [Sri Lanka](/source/Sri_Lanka).<ref name="Colombo1938">{{cite book|author=Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Ceylon Branch, Colombo|title=Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNElAAAAMAAJ|year=1938|publisher=Colombo Apothecaries Company|pages=107–108}}</ref> A keteriya would consist of a single edge and a short handle made of wood, traditionally resembling a hatchet with a straight shaft. This would allow the user to wield it with a single hand. Commonly used as a weapon and a tool, it is still common in rural villages. Legend has it that it was the preferred weapon of the famous warrior [King](/source/King) [Gajabahu the First](/source/Gajabahu_I); as such it is part of the [cap badge](/source/cap_badge) of the [Gajaba Regiment](/source/Gajaba_Regiment) of the [Sri Lanka Army](/source/Sri_Lanka_Army).

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
*[Tomahawk (axe)](/source/Tomahawk_(axe))

Category:Weapons of Sri Lanka
Category:Edged and bladed weapons
Category:Axes
Category:Ancient weapons
Category:Throwing axes

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