Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Hunting Tigers with Katars: Fact or fiction?

Atlantia · 20th September 2010, 08:14 PM

Really? I've always thought that was the 'legend' of Katars....
Off to google it! lol

Edit:
well, there are lots of pages thrown up in a search, good old never wrong

wiki says:
As the weapon spread throughout India it became something of a status symbol, much like the Southeast Asian kris. Among the Rajputs and Mughals, princes and nobles were often portrayed wearing a katara at their side. This was not only a precaution for self-defense, but it was also meant to show their wealth and position. Upper-class Mughals would even hunt tigers with katara. For a hunter to kill a tiger with such a short-range weapon was considered the surest sign of bravery and martial skill.

20th September 2010, 08:14 PM	#4
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Really? I've always thought that was the 'legend' of Katars.... Off to google it! lol Edit: well, there are lots of pages thrown up in a search, good old never wrong wiki says: As the weapon spread throughout India it became something of a status symbol, much like the Southeast Asian kris. Among the Rajputs and Mughals, princes and nobles were often portrayed wearing a katara at their side. This was not only a precaution for self-defense, but it was also meant to show their wealth and position. Upper-class Mughals would even hunt tigers with katara. For a hunter to kill a tiger with such a short-range weapon was considered the surest sign of bravery and martial skill.