Hunting Tigers with Katars: Fact or fiction?

[spiral]

In truth Gene, I dont know!

I do see your point, but many Mararajah types certanly did fight from the front in battle & many had dozens of sons. {as well as wives & concubines.} Who needed to stand out from the crowd.

I think Indian Royal politics was very machevelion at the time, with intrigue,poisening & murder,bieng common. It was tough to get to the top.

I wouldnt be surprised if some sons prooved thier fitness by such deeds. Common? I doubt it, but thats all just conjecture I have no proof.

Interesting discusian though!

spiral

[stephen wood]

interesting

[Emanuel]

I recall jamadhars with hunting scenes depicting tigers and lions. If such blades are representative of hunting weapons then perhaps these daggers were in the arsenal of hunters. Probably used much like hunting swords and daggers in Europe though to finish off wounded animals. Packs of dogs would probably be the main hunting weapon against tigers, bears, antelopes, whatever.

As an aside, I finally get Baloo's name in the Jungle Book, Bhalu=bear, simple.

Emanuel

[asomotif]

I finally get Baloo's name in the Jungle Book

A katar as a "bear necessity" in hunting

Interesting theory, but if hunting tigers with katars was something remotely seriously practiced, I am sure it would have been depicted somewhere.
Imagine a hurt and/or angry tiger and maybe 10 till 20 inches of wootz between you and him.
The tiger would probably rip your head of even if you would wound him deadly.
It is like a big cat. If they really start to rumble you need slow motion to follow them.

Ps, bumped into some odd pictures while googling for "big cat fight"

[David]

Originally Posted by stephen wood

interesting

Thanks Stephen. I LOVE the Bonzo Dog Band!

[wepnz]

I remembered someone had posted this picture of stone relief of a tiger being stabbed by katar. however the stabber seems to have other help (as suggested by others) and the tiger would seem to still be able to do major damage if the katar alone were used (seeing as how its gone right through the guys stuck with the tiger now). Also the katar seems to be the south indian hooded type, which are longer and have some guard protection.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...72&postcount=6

[laEspadaAncha]

Originally Posted by wepnz

I remembered someone had posted this picture of stone relief of a tiger being stabbed by katar. however the stabber seems to have other help (as suggested by others) and the tiger would seem to still be able to do major damage if the katar alone were used (seeing as how its gone right through the guys stuck with the tiger now). Also the katar seems to be the south indian hooded type, which are longer and have some guard protection.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...72&postcount=6

Great catch... In fact, this particular carving depicts two warriors, one armed with a katar in each hand, and both engaging the tiger simultaneously.

The temple carving dates to the 16th Century and is located in Srirangam in central Tamil Nadu.

Here's a repost of the pics for reference:

[Atlantia]

It is indeed a great catch! Bravo Wepnz!!

And interesting to see the form of the Katars with hoods and long blades (of short sword proportions!)

[archer]

Emanuel, I ran across this scene last week appears to be someone having a bad day. Pant and Paul mention Jamadhar Swords (Katar swords) 2-3 feet in length. Then there are the Patta Swords up to five feet in length. "Capable of severing a bullocks neck in the right expert hands". One Indian Royal was said to have been so proficient with his katar that he had killed a number of elephant. Fact or fiction I don't know. Mindset and practice can make for fearless people.

Steve

[Battara]

Originally Posted by stephen wood

interesting

So that's how you hunt tigers! I always wondered.......