Kutch Katar

Origin: India (Western India - Sind or Kutch)

Date: 18th/19th century

Length: 30cm 

Materials: Watered Steel, wood and cotton

Reference: TSWKK

Status: Available

A nice example of a Kutch Katar with a watered steel blade. 

INTRODUCTION

A very distinct Katar, from Kutch or Sind, often referred to as a Garsoee katar, which is the name given to this particular type of Katar by Lord Egerton (see Lord Egerton of Tatton: Indian and Oriental Arms and Armour. Dover Publications; Revised edition, 2002. Page 138, number 727). Traditionally, katars were used as to pierce through chain mail so they were primarily a thrusting weapon and could be used in combination with other weapons. Katars are worn in the waist bands and became very popular during the Mughal reign of India. 

THIS EXAMPLE

This elegant, 18th/19th century katar has been made as a single piece of steel, with the blade showing visible and prominent signs of watering; a scarcity to see on this type of Katar. The Katar follows traditional form, with its elegant handles which slightly flare outwards and have stylised rosebuds on each side. This is typically of Katars from Kutch (Kutch being an Islamic area in western India).

The blade shows two subtle fullers at the centre and the tip of the Katar is swollen to allows for armour piercing capabilities. The Katar is in good condition overall, with no losses or repairs.

This particular Katar comes with a new scabbard, constructed of treated wood and wrapped in a soft yellow cotton fabric. 

For a comparable example, see G. N. Pant, Indian Arms and Armour, vol. 2, New Delhi, 1980, pp. 162-173. Another comparable example is in the Sir Christopher Ondaatje (UK) collection. 

CONCLUSION

Overall, this is a very nice example of a simple Kutch Katar. The design of this rests on its simplicity and it shows through and through as being a practical, refined and purposeful built Katar.