Chowkidar Lathi - the Watchman's stick

SidJ · 22nd October 2022, 06:55 PM

Here is a rare thing that was once a familiar sight and sound in the Sub Continent. A Chowkidar or Watchman's stick. This one is quite fancy and has Bengali script on it.
150 cm. Does anyone have any more information on these?

Rick · 22nd October 2022, 10:36 PM

Does it have a shorter English cousin known as a Tipstaff?

SidJ · 23rd October 2022, 12:13 AM

Not sure of english connections but I am told its derived from a lohangi katti. I need to look up that term myself.

Rick · 23rd October 2022, 04:06 AM

I would guess that the brass end of this Watchman's Stick was a symbol of authority as was the English Tipstaff with the depiction of the British crown at one end.

David R · 23rd October 2022, 11:23 AM

Looking at the cogwheel toothed section I would suggest it's also a striking end of some authority... real or symbolic!

SidJ · 24th October 2022, 03:12 PM

The cog head appears to me to be inspired by the mace like flanges on the Lohangi Katti. In terms of use, both were used for striking and used by village watchmen.

22nd October 2022, 06:55 PM	#1
SidJ Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 174	Chowkidar Lathi - the Watchman's stick Here is a rare thing that was once a familiar sight and sound in the Sub Continent. A Chowkidar or Watchman's stick. This one is quite fancy and has Bengali script on it. 150 cm. Does anyone have any more information on these? Attached Images

22nd October 2022, 10:36 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	Does it have a shorter English cousin known as a Tipstaff?

23rd October 2022, 12:13 AM	#3
SidJ Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 174	Not sure of english connections but I am told its derived from a lohangi katti. I need to look up that term myself.

23rd October 2022, 04:06 AM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	I would guess that the brass end of this Watchman's Stick was a symbol of authority as was the English Tipstaff with the depiction of the British crown at one end.

23rd October 2022, 11:23 AM	#5
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,053	Looking at the cogwheel toothed section I would suggest it's also a striking end of some authority... real or symbolic!

24th October 2022, 03:12 PM	#6
SidJ Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 174	The cog head appears to me to be inspired by the mace like flanges on the Lohangi Katti. In terms of use, both were used for striking and used by village watchmen.