Danda

(“stick”) A symbol of authority in traditional Hindu culture. On one hand, this
stick referred to royal authority and was
visibly evident as a scepter or mace, but
was considered emblematic of the king’s
obligation to maintain social order by
inflicting punishment on evildoers. This
rule through punishment (dandaniti)
was the king’s role and duty in traditional
Indian ideas of kingship, for without
such rule normal social life would be
impossible. In a different context, the
staff can be a symbol of ascetic
authority. Among the Dashanami
Sanyasis, a group of ascetics who are
devotees (bhakta) of the god Shiva, the
ascetics with the highest status carry a
staff as a sign of their authority, and are
known as Dandi Sanyasis.