As noted, the edged weaponry of India is often not just unusual, but remarkably innovative. There are not always pragmatic solutions to many of the innovative features in these weapons, which were often created more for the display of the skills and craftmanship of the artisans making them.
The serrated blade is not for specific effect, but more symbolically aligned with the revered sword Dhu l' Fiqar of the Prophet Mohammed, which is often represented with bifurcated point and serrated edge blade.
Many weapons of this type were created during the huge celebrations of the British Raj known as durbars. These huge events created an almost 'fair' like atmosphere (they were held in 1877, 1903 and 1911) in which many bazaars hawking weaponry were assembled throughout the festivities.
While these major events were in the years mentioned, there were many less extravagant events in between with similar character in key cities.
This katar has the enlarged disc representing the chakra, one of the weapons of Shiva, and associated largely with the Pahari kingdoms in NW India, and actually an unusual feature seen on various sword types.
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