Punch Dagger (Katar Dagger)
Code : P13978

INR

21000 / Piece
~~MRP : 27860~~ 25% Off
Excluding Taxes & Duties
Extra Charges : Shipping | Insurance | Packaging

Description :

The katar is a distinct, ancient Indian punch dagger featuring an H-shaped horizontal grip that positions the blade perpendicular to the fist, allowing for powerful stabbing motions. It is characterized by a triangular blade designed to pierce armour, often with two protective side guards for the wrist. The katar is native to the Indian subcontinent and was widely used by Rajputs, Mughals, and the Maratha Empire. It was a close-quarters weapon used for stabbing, frequently as a secondary weapon to a sword or shield. Beyond combat, it served as a symbol of status, worn in waistbands by nobility and sometimes used for hunting. The katar is recognized as one of the most famous, distinctively Indian daggers, serving as both a functional weapon and a symbol of status.

Location : Rajasthan, India

Specification :

Length	:	10 inches
Country Of Origin	:	Region: Manufactured in the historic weapon-forging centres of Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Sirohi, Rajasthan. Heritage: Designed specifically for the Rajput warriors who favoured close-quarter combat.
Specialty	:	Punch-Grip Design: The H-shaped handle allows the blade to act as an extension of the arm, delivering the force of a punch through the tip. Reinforced Tip: Often features a thickened or diamond-cross point designed to pierce mail armour.
Uses	:	Martial Arts: Used in traditional Gatka or Shastar Vidya demonstrations. Ceremonial Pride: Displayed by royalty during the Aswayuja (weapon worship) ceremony. Collection: A centrepiece for collectors of Indo-Persian militaria due to its unique geometry.
Theme	:	The Tiger Slayer: Historically known as the tiger-claws, often themed around themes of bravery and predatory power. Courtly Elegance: Modern Rajasthani Katars feature heavy gold or silver Koftgari work on the sidebars (the arms of the H).
Weight	:	Massive Build: Typically heavier than standard daggers, ranging from 600g to 1kg. Front-Heavy: The weight is balanced toward the blade to maximize the impact of a thrust.
Blade Material	:	Wootz / Damascus Steel: Traditionally forged with high-carbon watered steel to ensure the blade does not snap under the pressure of a punch. Spring Steel: Modern replicas use tempered spring steel for durability and flexibility.
Handle Material	:	Inlaid Bone: The crossbars (grips) are often encased in Camel or Buffalo bone scales for a comfortable, non-slip grip. Bone Riveting: Hand-carved bone sections are riveted to the steel framework, often stained with tea to achieve a vintage ivory look.
Artisanal Characteristics	:	Dual-Bar Grip: Features two parallel crossbars that provide maximum wrist stability. Full Steel Frame: Unlike other daggers, the handle and blade frame are often forged from a single piece of steel, with bone used for the grip scales. Engraved Sidebars: The long steel bars extending down the wrist are usually heavily engraved with floral or geometric Rajasthani patterns.
Cultural And Traditional Heritage	:	Status Symbol: Historically, the Katar was a mark of high social standing; the more ornate the Katar, the higher the rank of the Rajput. The Suicide Dagger: In folklore, it was sometimes used as a last resort in battle to maintain honour, symbolizing the Never Surrender spirit of Rajasthan. Weapon Worship: During Dussehra, the Katar is the primary weapon offered for Shastra Puja in many Rajasthani households to seek blessings for the coming year.