Very Early Scottish broadsword blade in Indian PATA

[Jim McDougall]

As noted, the Scots were well present in India, and the basket hilt form present in many circumstances, particularly militarily of course. One instance of profound influence has always come to mind was to the north in the latter 19th century.

In research years ago on one of the paramilitary levees in Afghan regions, The Khyber Rifles, I was surprised with some of the photos I received from sources.
In Afghanistan the British military influence was notable, especially from the Scottish regiments, and Afghan forces adopted elements of their uniforms and weaponry. There are images of the Highland kilt and other uniform items.

This is one of the commanding officers of the Khyber Rifles in latter 19th c. proudly with a Scottish basket hilt. It seems I have seen at least one other such image but cannot recall if same officer or if another, possibly there was some convention of Afghan native officers wearing basket hilts.

While obviously far north and much later than the case with the Indian pata originally posted, the point is recognizing the presence of Scots in India from 18th century, and of course the swords they had, notably the basket hilt.

German blades were very highly favored in India, and particularly in areas to the south from Deccan to Mysore, where the pata was well established. While the basket hilt form itself was not particularly adopted in India except the Afghan cases of the next century it is highly probable this old, clearly German blade, came FROM a basket hilt and was used in this pata as noted earlier.