Dagger (Katar)
Not on view
Unique to South Asia, the katar is a dagger that is gripped at the crossbars in a clenched fist. The weapon was meant to be thrust into an opponent or prey from a close range. Rajput and Mughal royalty used this weapon to hunt tigers and even crocodile to demonstrate their bravery and martial skill. This example bears an inscription in localized Sanskrit, which states, "Bundijaram, Lord of Bundi, will protect with this dagger, [for], when it pierces, is like the tongue of death." The other side has a Vikram Samvat date of 1909, which converts to 1852 A.D.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
