Hi Ian,
I recall the discussions of 10 years ago, and Jens was indeed trying to establish the origins of the katar, or the transverse grip weapon form dagger. I think the presumption that the use by Rajputs was sometime in 16th c. but the rest of the origins are unclear. It was of course well established in South India likely some time much earlier, but iconographic resources do not seem to present reliable assessment as the friezes and architectures evolved over centuries.
From what I understand, my katar is classified loosely as Deccani, but the Rajput association I think still stands in degree. I recall you presented pretty compelling evidence of the 16th c. Rajput status.
I agree on the hole, and likely the blade was remounted from another hilt form.
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