Lohangi Katti Indian Mace

Jim McDougall · 2nd April 2021, 06:04 AM

While it is true that Egertons description is notably vague, what is important is to note the regions he names as locations of collection. #8 comes from Indore (Madhya Pradesh location); while #9 is from Satara, a location in Maharastra state in Western Ghats.

These regions are 'Deccani' and regions of the Maratha Empire. Notes on these weapons (they seem to be deemed 'clubs' rather than maces, and are over 4 ft. in length. Both areas are vast and covering Central India (typically considered the Deccan) and descriptions term these as used by 'aboriginal tribes' of Central India.

The collective term for 'aboriginal' tribes in India is 'Adivasi', and it seems to be inclusive of many tribes and sub tribes, so it is hard to be specific as to which tribe might have use of these. It does seem that whomever used them, it was a weapon favored by village watchmen. In appearance they seem to be more a contrived style of club which must have become popularized among tribal peoples in these regions, and notably uses the flanged mace head style seen in the maces of warriors of Marathas and others.
Among the tribes of Madhya Pradesh are the Gonds, and possibly searches into this and associated tribes might lead to more specific detail.

Robert Elgood ("Hindu Arms & Ritual" , 2004, p.281 lists the 'Lohangi' and Longi Kati' with apparent reference from Egerton, but adds cite to "List of Weapons Used in the Dakhan and Khandesh", W.F.Sinclair , Indian Antiquary, Vol.II, p.231, (1878).
I have this reference but need to locate it to see if any viable notes might lend more.

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2nd April 2021, 06:04 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,299	While it is true that Egertons description is notably vague, what is important is to note the regions he names as locations of collection. #8 comes from Indore (Madhya Pradesh location); while #9 is from Satara, a location in Maharastra state in Western Ghats. These regions are 'Deccani' and regions of the Maratha Empire. Notes on these weapons (they seem to be deemed 'clubs' rather than maces, and are over 4 ft. in length. Both areas are vast and covering Central India (typically considered the Deccan) and descriptions term these as used by 'aboriginal tribes' of Central India. The collective term for 'aboriginal' tribes in India is 'Adivasi', and it seems to be inclusive of many tribes and sub tribes, so it is hard to be specific as to which tribe might have use of these. It does seem that whomever used them, it was a weapon favored by village watchmen. In appearance they seem to be more a contrived style of club which must have become popularized among tribal peoples in these regions, and notably uses the flanged mace head style seen in the maces of warriors of Marathas and others. Among the tribes of Madhya Pradesh are the Gonds, and possibly searches into this and associated tribes might lead to more specific detail. Robert Elgood ("Hindu Arms & Ritual" , 2004, p.281 lists the 'Lohangi' and Longi Kati' with apparent reference from Egerton, but adds cite to "List of Weapons Used in the Dakhan and Khandesh", W.F.Sinclair , Indian Antiquary, Vol.II, p.231, (1878). I have this reference but need to locate it to see if any viable notes might lend more.