Katars with more hand defence PIC

Jim McDougall · 5th September 2023, 04:37 PM

Welcome!
As already noted, the 'hooded' katars are primarily associated with examples from 17th-18th century Vijayanagara in S.India . The early examples had wide triangular shaped blades that were notably channeled in a distinct fashion and it is believed the so called 'gauntlet' sword was of course associated and developed contemporarily.

The transverse grip convention is distinctive to the katar, and we have long discussed the potential origins of the form, with Jens Nordlund and Brian Issac, as well as Robert Elgood ("Hindu Arms and Ritual", 2004) being the foremost authorities on this.

The katar was actually more of a slashing weapon, and as the form diffused west and north into Mahratta, Rajput and Mughal regions, along with the advent of European blade availability, the thickened point aligned with the thrust brought the idea of this being a thrusting weapon. The Mahratta however disdained the thrust and examples remained in use as slashing weapons. In modern martial demonstrations in ceremonial ritual the pata (gauntlet sword) is used in pairs....using them in almost a 'windmill' fashion.

With the evolving katar types outside the southern sphere, the open hilt with transverse grip became the norm, while the hand protection of the gauntlet remained prevalent with the pata broadswords (gauntlet swords).

5th September 2023, 04:37 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,193	Welcome! As already noted, the 'hooded' katars are primarily associated with examples from 17th-18th century Vijayanagara in S.India . The early examples had wide triangular shaped blades that were notably channeled in a distinct fashion and it is believed the so called 'gauntlet' sword was of course associated and developed contemporarily. The transverse grip convention is distinctive to the katar, and we have long discussed the potential origins of the form, with Jens Nordlund and Brian Issac, as well as Robert Elgood ("Hindu Arms and Ritual", 2004) being the foremost authorities on this. The katar was actually more of a slashing weapon, and as the form diffused west and north into Mahratta, Rajput and Mughal regions, along with the advent of European blade availability, the thickened point aligned with the thrust brought the idea of this being a thrusting weapon. The Mahratta however disdained the thrust and examples remained in use as slashing weapons. In modern martial demonstrations in ceremonial ritual the pata (gauntlet sword) is used in pairs....using them in almost a 'windmill' fashion. With the evolving katar types outside the southern sphere, the open hilt with transverse grip became the norm, while the hand protection of the gauntlet remained prevalent with the pata broadswords (gauntlet swords).