The development of the Indian katar

fernando · 21st September 2015, 07:27 PM

Giving this subject a thought is something i guess many members (and not only) have done.
However gathering lots of knowledge about it is another thing; the dedication and time consuming needed for such achievement is not for everyone.
We all know the basics, like the katar (jamdhar) is of Rajput origin although its use is widespread. I have read that Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings of the period bear testimony of this fact.
If it is true that this weapon has developed in form since ancient times, it is not less true that variations kept being 'created' until nowadays, sometimes reaching the border of fantasy.
Two examples i like are exhibited in the National Museum of India; one dated 1700, fitted with two flintlock pistols and the other in the dated 18th century fitted with two percussion (bar hammer) pistols.
I know these are not properly in line with the rigorous katar typology, but they are nice pieces ... and are exhibited in a very respectful place.

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Jim McDougall · 21st September 2015, 08:15 PM

Hi Fernando,
Great entry!!and you are right, a serious a thorough approach to these kinds of specific studies is profoundly not for everyone....in fact, those who truly study the history and development of arms, particularly edged weapons, are relatively few. Most are content to simply follow the material in well known published references, and accept that as the final word without further question.

For example, it is a widely held assumption that many forms of weapons are of Rajput origin, and I can only imagine that to be from the considerable exposure to these warriors during the British period in India. The Rajputs as remarkable warriors had adopted many forms or weapons from other regions and sources, and honed them into examples well known today in collections.
As we have discussed, like the khanda (firangi), the katar may well have moved northward from the transverse grip daggers (as you note correctly termed jamadhar rather than 'katar') and evolved from them. I believe the expansion of Mahratta tribes may well account for these diffusions.

These multi purpose weapons such as pistol equipped katars are always remarkable examples, and I think were the work of innovative armourers always trying to impress their wealthy and noble patrons.

I think India is one of the most defiant cultural spheres when it comes to any sort of defined classification or typologies of its weapons, and while we can of course assemble certain rules of thumb or guidelines, it is with cautious reservation. It takes much more observation and study into nuances and decoration to reasonably classify most of these weapons, but it can indeed be done in some degree. Those with the tenacity to take on this challenge have my utmost respect.

Excellent note on how many weapons evolve through variation and innovation, and very true, many Indian weapons do seem to border on fantasy. I think case in point would be the 'madu', the double horns which became the 'haladie', or double bladed dagger. In this case, I believe this was indeed a weapon with Rajput origins.

21st September 2015, 07:27 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Giving this subject a thought is something i guess many members (and not only) have done. However gathering lots of knowledge about it is another thing; the dedication and time consuming needed for such achievement is not for everyone. We all know the basics, like the katar (jamdhar) is of Rajput origin although its use is widespread. I have read that Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings of the period bear testimony of this fact. If it is true that this weapon has developed in form since ancient times, it is not less true that variations kept being 'created' until nowadays, sometimes reaching the border of fantasy. Two examples i like are exhibited in the National Museum of India; one dated 1700, fitted with two flintlock pistols and the other in the dated 18th century fitted with two percussion (bar hammer) pistols. I know these are not properly in line with the rigorous katar typology, but they are nice pieces ... and are exhibited in a very respectful place. . Attached Images

21st September 2015, 08:15 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,730	Hi Fernando, Great entry!!and you are right, a serious a thorough approach to these kinds of specific studies is profoundly not for everyone....in fact, those who truly study the history and development of arms, particularly edged weapons, are relatively few. Most are content to simply follow the material in well known published references, and accept that as the final word without further question. For example, it is a widely held assumption that many forms of weapons are of Rajput origin, and I can only imagine that to be from the considerable exposure to these warriors during the British period in India. The Rajputs as remarkable warriors had adopted many forms or weapons from other regions and sources, and honed them into examples well known today in collections. As we have discussed, like the khanda (firangi), the katar may well have moved northward from the transverse grip daggers (as you note correctly termed jamadhar rather than 'katar') and evolved from them. I believe the expansion of Mahratta tribes may well account for these diffusions. These multi purpose weapons such as pistol equipped katars are always remarkable examples, and I think were the work of innovative armourers always trying to impress their wealthy and noble patrons. I think India is one of the most defiant cultural spheres when it comes to any sort of defined classification or typologies of its weapons, and while we can of course assemble certain rules of thumb or guidelines, it is with cautious reservation. It takes much more observation and study into nuances and decoration to reasonably classify most of these weapons, but it can indeed be done in some degree. Those with the tenacity to take on this challenge have my utmost respect. Excellent note on how many weapons evolve through variation and innovation, and very true, many Indian weapons do seem to border on fantasy. I think case in point would be the 'madu', the double horns which became the 'haladie', or double bladed dagger. In this case, I believe this was indeed a weapon with Rajput origins.