Northern Shikargar Katar

The ‘katar’ is a traditional Indian dagger known for its unique design and historical significance. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, it features a distinctive H-shaped grip that allows the blade to be in line with the user’s fist, enabling powerful thrusts. Typically used in close combat, the ‘katar’ was favored for its ability to pierce through armor and inflict deep wounds. The weapon’s compact size and lethal effectiveness made it popular among warriors and nobility during the 17th til 19th century. The ‘katar’ was also a display of rank among the higher classes and were often lavishly decorated with silver, gold, gemstones or enamel.

This Example:
A superb example featuring a full steel hilt and blade. The grip consists of two cast metal boulders, beautifully fluted and ending in lotus petal motifs. The side bars are adorned with openwork steel on both sides. The double-edged blade has a central ridge running along its mid-section. Each side of the blade is embellished with a chiseled ‘shikargar’ hunting scene in wootz steel, decorated with intricate koftgari work and ruby-inlaid eyes. Side A depicts a tiger battling a dragon, while Side B shows a tiger attacking an elephant.

Attribution and Dating:
Although many of the ‘katar’ in museum collections are attributed to various regions, I am confident in attributing this particular example to North India, potentially from Indore or Rajasthan. It belongs to a group of ‘katar,’ primarily dated to the 18th century, with a few exceptions from the 19th century.