Qatar is a weapon of the bonder type, characterized by the presence of an H-shaped horizontal handle and a blade at the level of the user's knuckles. This type of arsenal first appeared in South India. Having spread throughout Asia, it has become a symbol of status, like the Japanese katana. Princes and nobles were often portrayed with Qatar behind the belt. It was not only a precaution for self-defense, but also a means to demonstrate one’s wealth and position. Members of the upper class of the Rajputs and Mughals took blades with them, hunting for tigers. If it was possible to kill the beast with these short-range weapons, this was considered the surest sign of courage and combat skill.
Indian blades in the European market
Starting in the 16th century, after India was colonized by the British, Qatar, a weapon that was often made from broken sword blades, entered the European collectors market. Among them were blades resembling scissors with two or three blades. They were folded together until the leafs of the handle remained pressed against each other. If they are torn apart, the blades open, causing additional damage to the enemy. These new items were popular among foreigners, but are not applicable in practice in real hostilities.
Appearance
Qatar is a weapon that is a short, wide, triangular blade. Its feature is the handle, consisting of two parallel rods that are connected by two or more transverse rods. The blade, as a rule, reaches from 30 to 90 cm in length. Weapons can be different in shape. Most specimens have straight blades, but are also wavy and slightly curved. Everyone chooses an option to their taste. Qatar is a weapon that can have either one, two, or three blades. Many blades were thickened in a special way to prevent them from bending and breaking.
The Indian nobility often wore decorative Cathars as symbols of their social status. The handle was covered with enamel, gems or gold leaf. Engraving in the form of various figures, decorative designs and scenes from life was applied to it, as well as to the blade itself. The higher the status of the owner, the more complex and rich the decor created by the masters was. The heat and humid climate of India made it impossible to use steel sheath. Therefore, Qatari weapons often were stored in cases made of fabrics such as velvet or silk.
Blade for the most agile warriors
What is Qatar? Weapons that required special physical preparation, quick reaction and dexterity were intended primarily for getting into the head and upper body. Side handles could be used to lock or less often for defense. The owner of such a weapon had to be dexterous and nimble enough to dodge enemy attacks and quickly strike. The big advantage was light weight and relatively small size.
The Qatari Indian dagger was used in close hand-to-hand combat. Indian martial arts in general were characterized by speed, agility, and acrobatic maneuvers. Back in the 16th century, at least one battle style was studied there, which implied the use of a pair of deadly blades: one in each hand. Qatar ownership means improved acrobatic dexterity than any other cold arsenal, such as a knife or a standard dagger. The blows are delivered as if with fists, and not with weapons, which is more natural for defense and attack. If the blade consists of several blades, then with its help you can quite easily catch any more traditional weapon, for example, a sword, and take it away from you. In a narrow aisle, the owner of the catarrh will have a greater advantage.
Qatar: The Story of Custom Bonded Weapons
The time of the appearance of Qatar is considered to be the period from the XVI to the XVIII century. Although it was invented much earlier. As early as the 14th century, an Arab traveler Ibn Battuta described one of the scenes he observed in India: “The villagers surrounded him, and one of them attacked him with Qatar. This is the name of an iron weapon resembling a plow share. The hand is inserted into it so that the forearm is protected. The blade is a continuation of the limb. He has two elbows in length. The consequences of using these deadly weapons can be serious. ”
The blade in the form of an isosceles triangle with a wide base provides a good striking effect. Deep stab wounds lead to rapid loss of blood, such wounds, as a rule, do not heal and heal for a long time. The length of the blade can vary within wide limits: from 10 cm to one meter or more. It was also a good way to prevent the loss of weapons in a protracted battle. The blade was easy to hold in his hand, regardless of the degree of fatigue of the warrior. The possibility of delivering a powerful blow, including against a solid target, led to the fact that many samples were used as weapons for penetrating armor. Such blades had a characteristic thickening near the tip.
Technologies used in decorating
Indian gunsmiths used a variety of materials, including a notch in gold and silver, to decorate this kind of blade like Indian Qatar. Edged weapons around the world were supplemented by a huge assortment of exotic and deadly knives of various shapes and sizes, which were used as a continuation of the hand in battle.
One of the most common finishing methods was traditional Indian gold inlay. The essence of the method was as follows: to make a drawing, a sharpened metal tip was used. Shredded gold (less commonly silver) was placed in the resulting deep scratches, after which the entire surface was subjected to heating, and then processed with a hammer. The last step was polishing the surface with a special white porous stone of abrasive nature.
Rajput's Favorite Weapon
Qatar is a weapon of the Indian Rajputs. This is proved by numerous medieval paintings depicting scenes of receptions and banquets, where the hosts and guests had this unusual weapon behind their belts. The Rajputs wore blades on the right side. Over the centuries, their form has undergone very minor changes. That is, Qatar of the XIV century is not much different from the arsenal made in the XIX century.
It was a fairly effective edged weapon due to its speed and penetration. Despite the fact that it was no longer manufactured and used since the 19th century, the image of Qatar can be found in our days. The ancient blade is painted on the official emblem of the modern Rajput regiment - special forces of the Indian army.
Pluck Weapon Features
The blades of the bonded blades were made of very high quality steel, with razor-sharp edges. When attacking in the clean and jerk, the weight of the whole body was used, so if hit, serious injuries incompatible with life could be obtained. On ancient engravings, you can find images of armed men who, in addition to a sword or saber, also had Qatar. They used it as an additional weapon during the battle, as it was one of the best and most effective means to block a large arsenal.
Unique weapon
From the time when man began to hunt animals, he began to develop various types of weapons. Initially, pointed stones and sticks were used to kill and protect. With the discovery of metal, various types of cold arsenal began to be made: swords, knives, bow and arrows. Such weapons as Qatar were used not only for murder and self-defense, but also had great religious and historical significance. The arsenal was also considered a symbol of the status and military dignity of the Rajputs, Sikhs and Mughals. In addition to being used for self-defense, Qatar was also used to demonstrate wealth and high standing.
Varieties of Qatar
The pistol weapon was designed to deliver piercing strikes during an attack on opponents. All varieties of Qatar had great penetrating power and strength, quickly piercing living flesh. The Rajputs were warriors who often used two blades simultaneously, one in each hand. There are many different options for stick weapons. One of the most popular was considered Qatar scissors. This type included additional blades hidden in the handle and located there until the secret mechanism worked by pressing a special lever.
Indian Rajputs possessed amazing talent in designing and creating formidable and deadly weapons. In addition to Qatar, the Khanda sword was widely used in military affairs. It was a straight, double-edged blade on both sides, which was one of the most powerful weapons ever produced in India. Another unusual weapon is considered to be chakram - it is a simple steel circle with sharp edges, which was launched into the enemy.