Subject: ਨਿਹੰਗ nihang / ਅਕਾਲੀ akālī 'immortal' warrior saint

Culture: Punjabi Sikh

Setting: Sikh empire, Punjab 1704-1846

Object: katar punch dagger

* Royal Armouries Museum > Oriental Gallery

"Dagger (katar) Indian, Lahore, probably late 17th century The hilt has a cross-grip formed of four bars and was originally gilded. The dagger was owned by a Sikh of the Akali sect. The scabbard is of wood covered with crimson velvet and fitted with a gilt iron chape." ...

"Dagger (katar) Indian, Lahore, 18th century The blade is double edged with a reinforced point, and a medial ridge. The hilt has a transverse grip formed of two bars, all decorated with gold koftgari." ...

"Dagger (katar) Indian, probably Lahore, late 18th century The blade is straight and highly polished with a deep medial groove either side. The hilt is decorated with foliate scrolls in gold koftgari. The scabbard is of wood covered in crimson velvet with a gilt iron chape." ...