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Dagger (Katar)

1852
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dagger (Katar)
  • Date: 1852
  • Geography: Bundi, Rajasthan
  • Culture: Indian, Rajasthan
  • Medium: Steel, gold
  • Dimensions: L. 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); W. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 4.4 oz. (578.3 g)
  • Classification: Daggers
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
  • Object Number: 36.25.912
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Dagger (Kard) with Sheath, Steel, ivory, gold, wood, leather, iron, Persian, Qajar
Dagger (Kard) with Sheath
Persian, Qajar
ca. 1800
Mail Shirt, Iron, copper alloys, leather, Indian or Iranian
Mail Shirt
Indian or Iranian
dated A.H. 1232/1816–17 CE
Dagger (Kindjal) with Sheath, Steel, wood, silver, niello, Caucasian, possibly northern Dagestan
Dagger (Kindjal) with Sheath
Caucasian, possibly northern Dagestan
ca. 1840–50
Dagger (Kindjal) with Scabbard, Steel, wood, silver, niello, Caucasian, possibly Kubachi, Dagestan
Dagger (Kindjal) with Scabbard
Caucasian, possibly Kubachi, Dagestan
dated A.H. 1234/A.D 1818–19
Shield (<i>Dhàl</i>), Hide, gilt bronze, enamel, lacquer, jewels, textile (velvet), North Indian
Shield (Dhàl)
North Indian
early 19th century

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