Dagger (Katar)

Art Historical Context

This elegant steel katar, or push dagger, hails from India during the 18th19th century, a period when regional kingdoms and the Mughal Empire fostered a rich tradition of arms-making. Measuring 21 inches long and weighing over a pound, its robust form exemplifies the weapon's design for lethal thrusting attacks. The distinctive H-shaped hilt grips the hand securely across the knuckles, allowing warriors to punch forward with devastating force while protecting the wielder's fingers—a clever innovation unique to South Asian arms. Crafted from high-quality steel, the katar highlights the excepti...