The Indian PATA and the mysterious MANOPLE

Jim McDougall · 17th September 2025, 07:27 AM

Thank you so much for writing on this Nidhi! It is great to have your insights as your expertise in the history of these Indian arms is well established. As agreed this hilt is 'modern' but likely aligned with the Vaishnavism tradition of South India, and with the venerated old Scottish/German blade possibly placed in accord with these traditions.

Your note on the pata used on Mahratta vessels is pretty exciting, and in studies on the use of many forms of 'exotic' weapons used on many merchant vessels, and perhaps on the pirate vessels that preyed upon them is intriguing.

All the best
Jim

gp · 17th September 2025, 07:42 AM

a nice example at the MET:

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24325

some more info:
https://indianfight.com/pata/

Jim McDougall · 17th September 2025, 06:35 PM

Great links GP!!
It is often thought that the pata was a thrusting weapon, in the manner of the transverse grip katar as used in more northern regions of India by Rajputs and Mughals. However in the south, it was slashing cuts primarily, with the thrust basically disfavored.

Important input, thank you so much!
All the best
Jim

17th September 2025, 07:27 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,664	Thank you so much for writing on this Nidhi! It is great to have your insights as your expertise in the history of these Indian arms is well established. As agreed this hilt is 'modern' but likely aligned with the Vaishnavism tradition of South India, and with the venerated old Scottish/German blade possibly placed in accord with these traditions. Your note on the pata used on Mahratta vessels is pretty exciting, and in studies on the use of many forms of 'exotic' weapons used on many merchant vessels, and perhaps on the pirate vessels that preyed upon them is intriguing. All the best Jim

17th September 2025, 07:42 AM	#2
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 925	a nice example at the MET: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24325 some more info: https://indianfight.com/pata/

17th September 2025, 06:35 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,664	Great links GP!! It is often thought that the pata was a thrusting weapon, in the manner of the transverse grip katar as used in more northern regions of India by Rajputs and Mughals. However in the south, it was slashing cuts primarily, with the thrust basically disfavored. Important input, thank you so much! All the best Jim