Dagger (Katar)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Steel, gold
Dimensions
H. 11 13/16 in. (30 cm); W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Wt. 12.4 oz. (351.5 g)
Classification
Daggers
Culture
Indian
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.917
Art Historical Context
Step into the riveting world of 18th Indian arms with this exquisite *Katar*, a punch dagger embodying both lethal function and opulent artistry. Crafted high-quality steel with lavish gold accents, its H-shaped hilt—measuring 11 13/16 inches high and weighing a substantial 12.4 ounces—allowed warriors to grip and thrust with precision and power. This design, unique to South Asian weaponry, made the katar a favorite among Rajput nobles and Mughal elites, who prized it as a symbol of martial prowess and status. The dagger's steel blade, likely forged with advanced Indian metallurgical techniqu...