The katar has indeed promoted considerable debate, in particular concerning its effectiveness in piercing mail, but also in the evolution of the weapon itself. While it is clearly established that this form of dagger existed quite early, possibly even 15th century, that and the actual regions of its origin remain inconclusive. Despite the fact that certain references, notably the book by G.N.Pant, claim that the term jemadhar rather than katar, refer to this distinct weapon, this revision is based primarily on 19th century etymology study and also remains inconclusive. The nomenclature describing edged weapons in India involves considerable complexity, with semantics and misinterpretation of general terms being applied to specific weapons being a key problem.
It would seem that it is quite common to assume 18th century date as well as the region of Rajasthan to many Indian tulwars and katars, and in many cases that may be accurate until proven otherwise. This region has been one of the most prolific in producing these weapons and in fact is still producing today. The key factors in identifying Indian weapons in my opinion, are primarily the form and the style of the components, including decorative motif. Indian weapons often inherently carry important symbolism that often provide clues to assist in identification.
Patination may offer a degree of assistance in discovering the age of a weapon in certain cases, but much of this will depend on whether it has been static for a long period in collection, armoury, storage etc. The effects of nature typically have more considered effect on excavated items, which are generally identified with the provenance in which they are found.
The examples of katar with European blades seem to be primarily those from Mahratta regions and evolved from latter 16th century with cutdown European blades that were becoming predominant then in India with Portuguese presence ("Hindu Arms and Ritual, R.Elgood, p.145). Use of these blades in both katars and patas prevailed through the 17th century and probably later.
Concerning the use of the katar, while many examples from the northern regions carry blades reinforced for thrusting, and suggesting mail piercing purpose, it appears that they were also very effective for slashing, and this was well known for both pata and katar.The presence of mail ,established by the Persian influences in Mughal regions to the north, may suggest the regional provenance of the reinforced blades.
Elements of this katar suggest that it is probably 19th century, possibly latter and as noted very well may be from Rajasthan regions, while it would be difficult to assign distinct Rajput associations. There seems to be a noticeable absence of decoration, although the stylized floral inscription at the forte seems to suggest vestigially the langets on the traditionally mounted earlier examples. The polyhedron type bulbs on the crossbars seem to reflect a latter period also, although there are admittedly many variations, mostly varying degrees of spheres as seen on earlier forms.
The triangular geometric motif in the hilt may also reflect stylized symbolism suggesting the numeric three, the Tantric trikona, obviously speculation, but plausible.
The paluoar seems to be an example consistant with these distinct sabres of Afghanistan regions from latter 18th century well into the 19th. It is interesting to note the characteristic drooping quillons, which are believed to allude to the dragonheads of earlier Timurid material culture, signifying that warrior ancestry. It seems reasonable to presume this to be likely of mid 19th century and possibly earlier, as these were not continuously produced beyond that period as far as I know. Afghanistan in this period after its wars with Great Britain was becoming more Anglicized in its military, adopting more western uniforms and weaponry.
Very nice representative examples of two classic weapon forms!
Best regards,
Jim
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