The development of the Indian katar

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by estcrh

Ibrahiim, The Met does have one of the largest and most diverse collections of katar in the world. My records show that there are around 81 katars listed in their collection, 63 of which can be viewed online, and 4 are on display, the Met has not taken to time to photograph around 18 katar. Here is a link to every katar that has been photographed and is online in the Mets collection, these photos can not be seen on the Mets web site as they have been cropped and edited with many new extrordinary close up views of decorations, scabbard tips, etc, many high resolution images that can be clicked on for a detailed view.

https://www.pinterest.com/worldantiq...f-art-collect/

Salaams estcrh... The set up shown at reference above is staggering ! I note how many European blades are converted into Katar. I have read earlier that the older style display a sort of dagger Basket to protect the hand (presumably with gauntlet ) and that is one way of noting the older age...

I previously indicated a Kerala style used in an ancient martial form...and wondered if that may also yeild clues. Meanwhile I am trying to download off Pinterest with not a lot of success....

Ah I think I have it sorted ~ Here are some Katar Hilts ...Clearly diamond and precious stone was added to enhance court katars for VIP/Royalty...The other "morphed style" is the multiple blade two or more spikes...Also shown is the odd variant which fits into a second identical weapon.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.