A lot of money for small knife?

Jim McDougall · 9th August 2007, 10:56 PM

I have always been under the impression that the 'peechekathi' (thank you for the clarification on correct spelling and pronunciation Olikara)...was in actuality a utilitarian item, but as indicated certainly served as a status symbol as well among the Coorgs.

It seems that it has been referenced that the formidable ayudhakathi of the Coorgs gained an extremely feared reputation during interaction with the British in the mid 19th century, and huge numbers of these were confiscated and dumped at sea. I cannot recall exact numbers, but it would seem this may account for the relative rarity of early examples of these. I think the reference was in the Islamic firearms book by Elgood. Jens has posted some excellent examples of these resulting in some very informative discussions.

Best regards,
Jim

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9th August 2007, 10:56 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	I have always been under the impression that the 'peechekathi' (thank you for the clarification on correct spelling and pronunciation Olikara)...was in actuality a utilitarian item, but as indicated certainly served as a status symbol as well among the Coorgs. It seems that it has been referenced that the formidable ayudhakathi of the Coorgs gained an extremely feared reputation during interaction with the British in the mid 19th century, and huge numbers of these were confiscated and dumped at sea. I cannot recall exact numbers, but it would seem this may account for the relative rarity of early examples of these. I think the reference was in the Islamic firearms book by Elgood. Jens has posted some excellent examples of these resulting in some very informative discussions. Best regards, Jim