Katar (dagger)

Katar
Ornamented katar
TypePush dagger
Place of originSouth India, Indian subcontinent
Specifications
Hilt typeHorizontal

The katar is a type of push dagger from the Indian subcontinent.[1] The weapon is characterized by its H-shaped horizontal hand grip which results in the blade sitting above the user's knuckles. Unique to the Indian subcontinent, it is the most famous and characteristic of Indian daggers.[2] Ceremonial katars were also used in worship.[3]

  1. ^ DK (2012-10-01). The Military History Book. Dorling Kindersley Limited. ISBN 9781409328964.
  2. ^ Dr Tobias Capwell (2009). The World Encyclopedia Of Knives, Daggers And Bayonets. Anness Publishing.
  3. ^ Kersenboom-Story, Saskia C.; Kersenboom, Saskia (1987). Nityasumaṅgalī: devadasi tradition in South India. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. ISBN 9788120803305.