The Indian PATA and the mysterious MANOPLE

Ian · 22nd May 2025, 11:58 PM

Jim,

Your pata seems a little unusual in orientation to me. The grip and forearm protection appear to be at a distinct angle to the orientation of the blade. If the blade tip pointed upward when held, it would appear to have been made for a left-handed person. If the tip pointed down, then a right-handed person. What do you think?

Also, the smiling moustachioed face on the guard is a representation that I have seen during my travels in Ghujarat (NW India). Perhaps it is more widely distributed also. The round face was depicted on a palace gate as the Sun with the face of a Rhajput warrior.

Ian.

Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 02:30 AM

Thank you so much Ian! I was afraid I'd be solo here, I know this stuff is a bit esoteric and not much interest in Indian arms since Jens left.

Very astute observations, and honestly I had not thought of. Actually I thought the canted blade was just lousy mounting job. I also never noticed the lines which indeed might suggest facial hair. The face reminds me of a Buddha.
There were other suggestions of the Indian pantheon it seems some years ago.
I cant tell what this type of metal is, but seems like a bronze/copper ? alloy.

What you note on the Rajputs makes sense, as their clans focus a lot on sun oriented symbolism. I really appreciate this Ian, gives me whole new perspective on this, which I like better than the ideas I had resolved to from further south.

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22nd May 2025, 11:58 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,379	Jim, Your pata seems a little unusual in orientation to me. The grip and forearm protection appear to be at a distinct angle to the orientation of the blade. If the blade tip pointed upward when held, it would appear to have been made for a left-handed person. If the tip pointed down, then a right-handed person. What do you think? Also, the smiling moustachioed face on the guard is a representation that I have seen during my travels in Ghujarat (NW India). Perhaps it is more widely distributed also. The round face was depicted on a palace gate as the Sun with the face of a Rhajput warrior. Ian.

Yesterday, 02:30 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,234	Thank you so much Ian! I was afraid I'd be solo here, I know this stuff is a bit esoteric and not much interest in Indian arms since Jens left. Very astute observations, and honestly I had not thought of. Actually I thought the canted blade was just lousy mounting job. I also never noticed the lines which indeed might suggest facial hair. The face reminds me of a Buddha. There were other suggestions of the Indian pantheon it seems some years ago. I cant tell what this type of metal is, but seems like a bronze/copper ? alloy. What you note on the Rajputs makes sense, as their clans focus a lot on sun oriented symbolism. I really appreciate this Ian, gives me whole new perspective on this, which I like better than the ideas I had resolved to from further south.