Katar Bonanza!

[Emanuel]

Hello, I noticed that lately there have been a huge number of old indian katar listed on ebay. Some are clearly newly made replicas, but some look genuinely antique. My question is were these weapons so common in the old days that one finds so many of them, or is it just another boom in the Indian tourist souvenir market?

Manolo

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi Manola, yes they were very common, at least from the 16th century, and most likely earlier. Have a look at the Indian miniatures.
It is true what you write, that a great number is made in ‘old style’ – so beware when buying on e-bay.

[Emanuel]

Many thanks, Jens.