Pata (sword) - Revision history

Keem Fame rich at 17:31, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T17:31:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:01, 24 February 2026
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	\| image= Pata-1-Archit-Patel.jpg		\| image= Pata-1-Archit-Patel.jpg
	\| image_size = 200		\| image_size = 200
	\|caption= An ornamental pata with a 41~~" (104~~ cm) blade		\|caption= An ornamental pata with a {{convert\|41\|in\|cm\|abbr=out\|adj=on}} blade
	\|origin= [[Indian subcontinent]]		\|origin= [[Indian subcontinent]]
	\|type= [[Sword]]		\|type= [[Sword]]
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	\|haft_type=		\|haft_type=
	}}		}}
	The '''pata~~''' or '''patta~~''' (~~[[Marathi language\|Marathi]]:दांडपट्टा,~~ {{~~lang-hi~~\|पट}}) is a sword, originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], with a [[Gauntlet (glove)\|gauntlet]] integrated as a handguard.<ref name=armour>{{cite web\|title=Maratha Pata Gauntlet Sword\|url=http://www.arms2armor.com/Swords/marathapata.htm\|publisher=www.arms2armor.com\|access-date=16 November ~~2022~~}}</ref> Often referred to in its native Marathi as a '''dandpatta''', it is commonly called a '''gauntlet-sword''' in English.		The '''pata''' ({{langx\|mr\|दांडपट्टा}}) is a sword, originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], with a [[Gauntlet (glove)\|gauntlet]] integrated as a handguard.<ref name=armour>{{cite web\|title=Maratha Pata Gauntlet Sword\|url=http://www.arms2armor.com/Swords/marathapata.htm\|publisher=www.arms2armor.com\|access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> Often referred to in its native Marathi as a '''dandpatta''', it is commonly called a '''gauntlet sword''' in English.

	==Description==		==Description==
	[[File:Pata (gauntlet sword), India, probably 1700s - Higgins Armory Museum - DSC05546.JPG\|thumb\|A well embossed gauntlet]]		[[File:Pata (gauntlet sword), India, probably 1700s - Higgins Armory Museum - DSC05546.JPG\|thumb\|A well embossed gauntlet]]
	The pata has a long straight blade ranging in length from 10 to 44~~ inches~~. The blades were locally made by native artisans.		The pata has a long straight blade ranging in length from {{convert\|10\|to\|44\|in\|cm\|abbr=on}}. The blades were locally made by native artisans.

	The characteristic feature of the pata is its hilt which takes the form of a half-gauntlet, the inside of which is usually padded. The hilt is attached to the blade by decorative arms that extend forward on both sides of the blade.		The characteristic feature of the pata is its hilt which takes the form of a half-gauntlet, the inside of which is usually padded. The hilt is attached to the blade by decorative arms that extend forward on both sides of the blade.

	The Mughals developed a variation with matchlock pistols adjoining the handle.{{Citation needed\|date=May ~~2022~~}} The hilt also has a long cuff which is usually decorated and in older examples inlaid and embellished with gold and silver. The swordsman holds the weapon by gripping a crossbar inside the gauntlet. The cuff is held close to the forearm by another bar or chain.		The Mughals developed a variation with matchlock pistols adjoining the handle.{{Citation needed\|date=May 2009}} The hilt also has a long cuff which is usually decorated and in older examples inlaid and embellished with gold and silver. The swordsman holds the weapon by gripping a crossbar inside the gauntlet. The cuff is held close to the forearm by another bar or chain.

	==History==		==History==
	Created in [[Medieval India]],<ref name=knight>{{cite web\|title=Swords History - 17th Century AD\|url=http://www.knightsedge.com/s-131-17th-century-ad-swords.aspx\|publisher=www.knightsedge.com\|access-date=16 November ~~2022~~}}</ref> the pata's use in warfare appears to be mostly restricted to the 17th<ref name=sword>{{cite web\|title=History of Indian swords\|url=http://www.swordhistory.info/?p=72\|publisher=www.swordhistory.info\|access-date=16 November ~~2022~~}}</ref> and 18th century<ref name=Swords>{{cite book \|title=Swords And Hilt Weapons \|year=2012 \|publisher=Prion \|location=Great Britain \|isbn=9781853758829}}</ref> when the [[Maratha ~~empire~~]] came into prominence. It was considered to be a highly effective weapon for infantrymen against heavily armoured cavalry.{{Citation needed\|date=May ~~2022~~}} The Maratha ruler [[Shivaji]] and his general [[Baji Prabhu Deshpande]] were reputedly trained in the use of the pata. When Mughal [[Afzal Khan (general)\|Afzal Khan]]'s bodyguard Sayyid Banda attacked Shivaji with swords in the [[Battle of Pratapgad]], Shivaji's bodyguard Jiva Mahala fatally struck him down, cutting off one of ~~Bada~~ Sayyad's hands with a pata.<ref>{{cite book \| title = Shivaji and his times \| author = Jadunath Sarkar \| author-link = Jadunath Sarkar \| publisher = Orient Blackswan \| year = 1992 \| isbn = 978-81-250-1347-1 \| pages = 47–52 }}</ref>		Created in [[Medieval India]],<ref name=knight>{{cite web\|title=Swords History - 17th Century AD\|url=http://www.knightsedge.com/s-131-17th-century-ad-swords.aspx\|publisher=www.knightsedge.com\|access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> the pata's use in warfare appears to be mostly restricted to the 17th<ref name=sword>{{cite web\|title=History of Indian swords\|url=http://www.swordhistory.info/?p=72\|publisher=www.swordhistory.info\|access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> and 18th century<ref name=Swords>{{cite book \|title=Swords And Hilt Weapons \|year=2012 \|publisher=Prion \|location=Great Britain \|isbn=9781853758829}}</ref> when the [[Maratha Empire]] came into prominence. It was considered to be a highly effective weapon for infantrymen against heavily armoured cavalry.{{Citation needed\|date=May 2009}} The Maratha ruler [[Shivaji I]] and his general [[Baji Prabhu Deshpande]] were reputedly trained in the use of the pata. When Mughal [[Afzal Khan (general)\|Afzal Khan]]'s bodyguard Sayyid Banda attacked Shivaji with swords in the [[Battle of Pratapgad]], Shivaji's bodyguard Jiva Mahala fatally struck him down, cutting off one of Sayyad's hands with a pata.<ref>{{cite book \| title = Shivaji and his times \| author = Jadunath Sarkar \| author-link = Jadunath Sarkar \| publisher = Orient Blackswan \| year = 1992 \| isbn = 978-81-250-1347-1 \| pages = 47–52 }}</ref>

	Recent discovery of [[Hero stone]] ~~inscription~~ has pushed back the antiquity of ~~patta sword~~ to 12th century.<ref>Inscription pushes back sword's history by 500 years http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/95631621.cms~~?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst~~</ref>		Recent discovery of [[Hero stone]] inscriptions has pushed back the antiquity of the pata to the 12th century.<ref>Inscription pushes back sword's history by 500 years http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/95631621.cms</ref>

	==Use==		==Use==
	The pata is most commonly paired with either a shield or another pata, though it can also be used with a javelin, axe, or belt. The restrictive handle was particularly suited to the stiff-wristed style of South Asian swordsmanship. Despite its shape, the pata is used primarily for cutting rather than thrusting.<ref name=Swords/> The extended grip provided by the forearm permits powerful slashes but restricts any thrusts.<ref name=Swords/> This can be seen in [[mardani khel]] today and in colonial descriptions which describe spinning techniques with dual pata "much like a windmill".<ref name=Swords/>		The pata is most commonly paired with either a shield or another pata, though it can also be used with a javelin, axe, or belt. The restrictive handle was particularly suited to the stiff-wristed style of South Asian swordsmanship. Despite its shape, the pata is used primarily for cutting rather than thrusting.<ref name=Swords/> The extended grip provided by the forearm permits powerful slashes but restricts any thrusts.<ref name=Swords/> This can be seen in [[mardani khel]] today and in colonial descriptions which describe spinning techniques with dual pata "much like a windmill".<ref name=Swords/>

	Miniature paintings show that the pata was also wielded by mounted cavalry,<ref name=armour/> which has led some modern collectors to erroneously conclude that the weapon was used for thrusting from horseback. However, the restriction on wrist movement would have made it difficult to dislodge the pata from an opponent's body, and doing so while mounted would most likely cause the swordsmen to fall off their horses. Rather, it is more probable that the pata was used in cut-and-run tactics, characteristic of the Maratha army. Cutting technique was practiced by slicing fruit on the ground like lemons or limes without touching the ground. This was and still is a common method of demonstration, often using a flexible blade to facilitate the trick. It is said that Maratha warriors would swing the pata in circular movement like whirlwind when encircled before they fell, so as to ~~maximize~~ the casualties on the opposition. It was to be effective when two soldiers fought together as pairs.<ref name=netsword>{{cite web\|title=The Pata and the Manople -- Gauntlet Swords\|url=http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|publisher=netsword.com\|access-date=16 November 2012\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070224125847/http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|archive-date=24 February 2007\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{failed verification\|date=October 2022}}		Miniature paintings show that the pata was also wielded by mounted cavalry,<ref name=armour/> which has led some modern collectors to erroneously conclude that the weapon was used for thrusting from horseback. However, the restriction on wrist movement would have made it difficult to dislodge the pata from an opponent's body, and doing so while mounted would most likely cause the swordsmen to fall off their horses. Rather, it is more probable that the pata was used in cut-and-run tactics, characteristic of the Maratha army. Cutting technique was practiced by slicing fruit on the ground like lemons or limes without touching the ground. This was and still is a common method of demonstration, often using a flexible blade to facilitate the trick. It is said that Maratha warriors would swing the pata in circular movement like whirlwind when encircled before they fell, so as to maximise the casualties on the opposition. It was to be effective when two soldiers fought together as pairs.<ref name=netsword>{{cite web\|title=The Pata and the Manople -- Gauntlet Swords\|url=http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|publisher=netsword.com\|access-date=16 November 2012\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070224125847/http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|archive-date=24 February 2007\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{failed verification\|date=October 2022}}

	==See also==		==See also==
	*[[Aruval]]
	*[[Basket-hilted sword]], similar guarding concept		*[[Basket-hilted sword]], similar guarding concept
	*[[Chakram]]		*[[Chakram]]
	*[[Gatka]]		*[[Gatka]]
	*[[Katar (dagger)\|Katar]]		*[[Katar (dagger)\|Katar]]
	* [[Scissor (gladiator)]]		*[[Scissor (gladiator)]]
	*[[Urumi]]

	==References==		==References==
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	== External links ==		== External links ==
	{{commons category\|Pata swords}}		{{commons category\|Pata swords}}
	* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7niTpIW7dEk \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/7niTpIW7dEk \|archive-date=2021-12-13 \|url-status=live\|title=Indian gauntlet-sword 'pata' - looking at history, form and martial art\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December ~~2022~~}}{{cbignore}}		* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7niTpIW7dEk \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/7niTpIW7dEk \|archive-date=2021-12-13 \|url-status=live\|title=Indian gauntlet-sword 'pata' - looking at history, form and martial art\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December 2019}}{{cbignore}}

	* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kEv6lyvs_E \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/0kEv6lyvs_E \|archive-date=2021-12-13 \|url-status=live\|title=Underappreciated Historical Weapons: THE GAUNTLET SWORD / Pata\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December ~~2022~~}}{{cbignore}}		* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kEv6lyvs_E \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/0kEv6lyvs_E \|archive-date=2021-12-13 \|url-status=live\|title=Underappreciated Historical Weapons: THE GAUNTLET SWORD / Pata\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December 2019}}{{cbignore}}

	{{Swords by region}}		{{Swords by region}}

	{{Use dmy dates\|date=June ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=June 2017}}

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Pata (sword)}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Pata (sword)}}
	[[Category:~~Blade~~ weapons]]		[[Category:Edged and bladed weapons]]
	[[Category:Indian swords]]		[[Category:Indian swords]]
	[[Category:South Asian swords]]		[[Category:South Asian swords]]
	[[Category:Indian ~~melee weapons~~]]		[[Category:Indian martial arts]]
			[[Category:Weapons of India]]
			[[Category:Indian inventions]]

117.198.114.191: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

2022-11-21T15:35:08Z

robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 21 November 2022
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	\|haft_type=		\|haft_type=
	}}		}}
	The '''pata''' or '''patta''' ([[Marathi language\|Marathi]]:दांडपट्टा, {{lang-hi\|पट}}) is a sword, originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], with a [[Gauntlet (glove)\|gauntlet]] integrated as a handguard.<ref name=armour>{{cite web\|title=Maratha Pata Gauntlet Sword\|url=http://www.arms2armor.com/Swords/marathapata.htm\|publisher=www.arms2armor.com\|access-date=16 November ~~2012~~}}</ref> Often referred to in its native Marathi as a '''dandpatta''', it is commonly called a '''gauntlet-sword''' in English.		The '''pata''' or '''patta''' ([[Marathi language\|Marathi]]:दांडपट्टा, {{lang-hi\|पट}}) is a sword, originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], with a [[Gauntlet (glove)\|gauntlet]] integrated as a handguard.<ref name=armour>{{cite web\|title=Maratha Pata Gauntlet Sword\|url=http://www.arms2armor.com/Swords/marathapata.htm\|publisher=www.arms2armor.com\|access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref> Often referred to in its native Marathi as a '''dandpatta''', it is commonly called a '''gauntlet-sword''' in English.

	==Description==		==Description==
Line 45:		Line 45:
	The characteristic feature of the pata is its hilt which takes the form of a half-gauntlet, the inside of which is usually padded. The hilt is attached to the blade by decorative arms that extend forward on both sides of the blade.		The characteristic feature of the pata is its hilt which takes the form of a half-gauntlet, the inside of which is usually padded. The hilt is attached to the blade by decorative arms that extend forward on both sides of the blade.

	The Mughals developed a variation with matchlock pistols adjoining the handle.{{Citation needed\|date=May ~~2009~~}} The hilt also has a long cuff which is usually decorated and in older examples inlaid and embellished with gold and silver. The swordsman holds the weapon by gripping a crossbar inside the gauntlet. The cuff is held close to the forearm by another bar or chain.		The Mughals developed a variation with matchlock pistols adjoining the handle.{{Citation needed\|date=May 2022}} The hilt also has a long cuff which is usually decorated and in older examples inlaid and embellished with gold and silver. The swordsman holds the weapon by gripping a crossbar inside the gauntlet. The cuff is held close to the forearm by another bar or chain.

	==History==		==History==
	Created ~~during the~~ [[~~Mughal period~~]],<ref name=knight>{{cite web\|title=Swords History - 17th Century AD\|url=http://www.knightsedge.com/s-131-17th-century-ad-swords.aspx\|publisher=www.knightsedge.com\|access-date=16 November ~~2012~~}}</ref> the pata's use in warfare appears to be mostly restricted to the 17th<ref name=sword>{{cite web\|title=History of Indian swords\|url=http://www.swordhistory.info/?p=72\|publisher=www.swordhistory.info\|access-date=16 November ~~2012~~}}</ref> and 18th century<ref name=Swords>{{cite book \|title=Swords And Hilt Weapons \|year=2012 \|publisher=Prion \|location=Great Britain \|isbn=9781853758829}}</ref> when the [[Maratha empire]] came into prominence. It was considered to be a highly effective weapon for infantrymen against heavily armoured cavalry.{{Citation needed\|date=May ~~2009~~}} The Maratha ruler [[~~chhatrapati~~ Shivaji ~~Maharaj~~]] and his general [[Baji Prabhu Deshpande]] were reputedly trained in the use of the pata. When Mughal [[Afzal Khan (general)\|Afzal Khan]]'s bodyguard ~~Bada Sayyad~~ attacked Shivaji with swords in the [[Battle of Pratapgad]], Shivaji's bodyguard Jiva Mahala fatally struck him down, cutting off one of Bada Sayyad's hands with a pata.<ref>{{cite book \| title = Shivaji and his times \| author = Jadunath Sarkar \| author-link = Jadunath Sarkar \| publisher = Orient Blackswan \| year = 1992 \| isbn = 978-81-250-1347-1 \| pages = 47–52 }}</ref>		Created in [[Medieval India]],<ref name=knight>{{cite web\|title=Swords History - 17th Century AD\|url=http://www.knightsedge.com/s-131-17th-century-ad-swords.aspx\|publisher=www.knightsedge.com\|access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref> the pata's use in warfare appears to be mostly restricted to the 17th<ref name=sword>{{cite web\|title=History of Indian swords\|url=http://www.swordhistory.info/?p=72\|publisher=www.swordhistory.info\|access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref> and 18th century<ref name=Swords>{{cite book \|title=Swords And Hilt Weapons \|year=2012 \|publisher=Prion \|location=Great Britain \|isbn=9781853758829}}</ref> when the [[Maratha empire]] came into prominence. It was considered to be a highly effective weapon for infantrymen against heavily armoured cavalry.{{Citation needed\|date=May 2022}} The Maratha ruler [[Shivaji]] and his general [[Baji Prabhu Deshpande]] were reputedly trained in the use of the pata. When Mughal [[Afzal Khan (general)\|Afzal Khan]]'s bodyguard Sayyid Banda attacked Shivaji with swords in the [[Battle of Pratapgad]], Shivaji's bodyguard Jiva Mahala fatally struck him down, cutting off one of Bada Sayyad's hands with a pata.<ref>{{cite book \| title = Shivaji and his times \| author = Jadunath Sarkar \| author-link = Jadunath Sarkar \| publisher = Orient Blackswan \| year = 1992 \| isbn = 978-81-250-1347-1 \| pages = 47–52 }}</ref>

			Recent discovery of [[Hero stone]] inscription has pushed back the antiquity of patta sword to 12th century.<ref>Inscription pushes back sword's history by 500 years http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/95631621.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst</ref>

	==Use==		==Use==
	The pata is most commonly paired with either a shield or another pata, though it can also be used with a javelin, axe, or belt. The restrictive handle was particularly suited to the stiff-wristed style of South Asian swordsmanship. Despite its shape, the pata is used primarily for cutting rather than thrusting.<ref name=Swords/> The extended grip provided by the forearm permits powerful slashes but restricts any thrusts.<ref name=Swords/> This can be seen in [[mardani khel]] today and in colonial descriptions which describe spinning techniques with dual pata "much like a windmill".<ref name=Swords/>		The pata is most commonly paired with either a shield or another pata, though it can also be used with a javelin, axe, or belt. The restrictive handle was particularly suited to the stiff-wristed style of South Asian swordsmanship. Despite its shape, the pata is used primarily for cutting rather than thrusting.<ref name=Swords/> The extended grip provided by the forearm permits powerful slashes but restricts any thrusts.<ref name=Swords/> This can be seen in [[mardani khel]] today and in colonial descriptions which describe spinning techniques with dual pata "much like a windmill".<ref name=Swords/>

	Miniature paintings show that the pata was also wielded by mounted cavalry,<ref name=armour/> which has led some modern collectors to erroneously conclude that the weapon was used for thrusting from horseback. However, the restriction on wrist movement would have made it difficult to dislodge the pata from an opponent's body, and doing so while mounted would most likely cause the swordsmen to fall off their horses. Rather, it is more probable that the pata was used in cut-and-run tactics, characteristic of the Maratha army. Cutting technique was practiced by slicing fruit on the ground like lemons or limes without touching the ground. This was and still is a common method of demonstration, often using a flexible blade to facilitate the trick. It is said that Maratha warriors would ~~use~~ the pata when encircled before they fell, so as to maximize the casualties on the opposition. It was to be effective when two soldiers fought together as pairs.<ref name=netsword>{{cite web\|title=The Pata and the Manople -- Gauntlet Swords\|url=http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|publisher=netsword.com\|access-date=16 November 2012\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://archive.is/20070224125847/http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|archive-date=24 February 2007\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>		Miniature paintings show that the pata was also wielded by mounted cavalry,<ref name=armour/> which has led some modern collectors to erroneously conclude that the weapon was used for thrusting from horseback. However, the restriction on wrist movement would have made it difficult to dislodge the pata from an opponent's body, and doing so while mounted would most likely cause the swordsmen to fall off their horses. Rather, it is more probable that the pata was used in cut-and-run tactics, characteristic of the Maratha army. Cutting technique was practiced by slicing fruit on the ground like lemons or limes without touching the ground. This was and still is a common method of demonstration, often using a flexible blade to facilitate the trick. It is said that Maratha warriors would swing the pata in circular movement like whirlwind when encircled before they fell, so as to maximize the casualties on the opposition. It was to be effective when two soldiers fought together as pairs.<ref name=netsword>{{cite web\|title=The Pata and the Manople -- Gauntlet Swords\|url=http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|publisher=netsword.com\|access-date=16 November 2012\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070224125847/http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html\|archive-date=24 February 2007\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{failed verification\|date=October 2022}}

	==See also==		==See also==
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	*[[Gatka]]		*[[Gatka]]
	*[[Katar (dagger)\|Katar]]		*[[Katar (dagger)\|Katar]]
			* [[Scissor (gladiator)]]
	*[[Urumi]]		*[[Urumi]]

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	== External links ==		== External links ==
	{{commons category\|Pata swords}}		{{commons category\|Pata swords}}
	* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7niTpIW7dEk\|title=Indian gauntlet-sword 'pata' - looking at history, form and martial art\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December ~~2019~~}}		* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7niTpIW7dEk \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/7niTpIW7dEk \|archive-date=2021-12-13 \|url-status=live\|title=Indian gauntlet-sword 'pata' - looking at history, form and martial art\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December 2022}}{{cbignore}}

	* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kEv6lyvs_E\|title=Underappreciated Historical Weapons: THE GAUNTLET SWORD / Pata\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December ~~2019~~}}		* {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kEv6lyvs_E \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/0kEv6lyvs_E \|archive-date=2021-12-13 \|url-status=live\|title=Underappreciated Historical Weapons: THE GAUNTLET SWORD / Pata\|language=EN\|website=YouTube\|access-date=27 December 2022}}{{cbignore}}

	{{Swords by region}}		{{Swords by region}}

	{{Use dmy dates\|date=June ~~2017~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=June 2022}}

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Pata (sword)}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Pata (sword)}}
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	[[Category:Indian swords]]		[[Category:Indian swords]]
	[[Category:South Asian swords]]		[[Category:South Asian swords]]
	[[Category:~~Weapons of India~~]]		[[Category:Indian melee weapons]]

103.133.65.64: /* Description */Fixed references and removed biased unsupported content.

2021-08-28T16:00:51Z

Description: Fixed references and removed biased unsupported content.

New page

{{short description|South Asian sword}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name= Pata
| image= Pata-1-Archit-Patel.jpg
| image_size = 200
|caption= An ornamental pata with a 41" (104 cm) blade
|origin= [[Indian subcontinent]]
|type= [[Sword]]

|is_bladed= yes

|service=
|used_by= [[Maratha]]s
|wars=

|designer=
|design_date=
|manufacturer=
|unit_cost=
|production_date=
|number=
|variants=

|spec_label=
|weight=
|length= {{convert|10-44|in|cm}}
|part_length=
|width=
|height=
|diameter=
|crew=

|blade_type= Double-edged, <br>straight
|hilt_type= Gauntlet type
|sheath_type=
|head_type=
|haft_type=
}}
The '''pata''' or '''patta''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]:दांडपट्टा, {{lang-hi|पट}}) is a sword, originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], with a [[Gauntlet (glove)|gauntlet]] integrated as a handguard.<ref name=armour>{{cite web|title=Maratha Pata Gauntlet Sword|url=http://www.arms2armor.com/Swords/marathapata.htm|publisher=www.arms2armor.com|access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> Often referred to in its native Marathi as a '''dandpatta''', it is commonly called a '''gauntlet-sword''' in English.

==Description==
[[File:Pata (gauntlet sword), India, probably 1700s - Higgins Armory Museum - DSC05546.JPG|thumb|A well embossed gauntlet]]
The pata has a long straight blade ranging in length from 10 to 44 inches. The blades were locally made by native artisans.

The characteristic feature of the pata is its hilt which takes the form of a half-gauntlet, the inside of which is usually padded. The hilt is attached to the blade by decorative arms that extend forward on both sides of the blade.

The Mughals developed a variation with matchlock pistols adjoining the handle.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} The hilt also has a long cuff which is usually decorated and in older examples inlaid and embellished with gold and silver. The swordsman holds the weapon by gripping a crossbar inside the gauntlet. The cuff is held close to the forearm by another bar or chain.

==History==
Created during the [[Mughal period]],<ref name=knight>{{cite web|title=Swords History - 17th Century AD|url=http://www.knightsedge.com/s-131-17th-century-ad-swords.aspx|publisher=www.knightsedge.com|access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> the pata's use in warfare appears to be mostly restricted to the 17th<ref name=sword>{{cite web|title=History of Indian swords|url=http://www.swordhistory.info/?p=72|publisher=www.swordhistory.info|access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> and 18th century<ref name=Swords>{{cite book |title=Swords And Hilt Weapons |year=2012 |publisher=Prion |location=Great Britain |isbn=9781853758829}}</ref> when the [[Maratha empire]] came into prominence. It was considered to be a highly effective weapon for infantrymen against heavily armoured cavalry.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} The Maratha ruler [[chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]] and his general [[Baji Prabhu Deshpande]] were reputedly trained in the use of the pata. When Mughal [[Afzal Khan (general)|Afzal Khan]]'s bodyguard Bada Sayyad attacked Shivaji with swords in the [[Battle of Pratapgad]], Shivaji's bodyguard Jiva Mahala fatally struck him down, cutting off one of Bada Sayyad's hands with a pata.<ref>{{cite book | title = Shivaji and his times | author = Jadunath Sarkar | author-link = Jadunath Sarkar | publisher = Orient Blackswan | year = 1992 | isbn = 978-81-250-1347-1 | pages = 47–52 }}</ref>

==Use==
The pata is most commonly paired with either a shield or another pata, though it can also be used with a javelin, axe, or belt. The restrictive handle was particularly suited to the stiff-wristed style of South Asian swordsmanship. Despite its shape, the pata is used primarily for cutting rather than thrusting.<ref name=Swords/> The extended grip provided by the forearm permits powerful slashes but restricts any thrusts.<ref name=Swords/> This can be seen in [[mardani khel]] today and in colonial descriptions which describe spinning techniques with dual pata "much like a windmill".<ref name=Swords/>

Miniature paintings show that the pata was also wielded by mounted cavalry,<ref name=armour/> which has led some modern collectors to erroneously conclude that the weapon was used for thrusting from horseback. However, the restriction on wrist movement would have made it difficult to dislodge the pata from an opponent's body, and doing so while mounted would most likely cause the swordsmen to fall off their horses. Rather, it is more probable that the pata was used in cut-and-run tactics, characteristic of the Maratha army. Cutting technique was practiced by slicing fruit on the ground like lemons or limes without touching the ground. This was and still is a common method of demonstration, often using a flexible blade to facilitate the trick. It is said that Maratha warriors would use the pata when encircled before they fell, so as to maximize the casualties on the opposition. It was to be effective when two soldiers fought together as pairs.<ref name=netsword>{{cite web|title=The Pata and the Manople -- Gauntlet Swords|url=http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html|publisher=netsword.com|access-date=16 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.is/20070224125847/http://netsword.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000078.html|archive-date=24 February 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Aruval]]
*[[Basket-hilted sword]], similar guarding concept
*[[Chakram]]
*[[Gatka]]
*[[Katar (dagger)|Katar]]
*[[Urumi]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Pata swords}}
* {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7niTpIW7dEk|title=Indian gauntlet-sword 'pata' - looking at history, form and martial art|language=EN|website=YouTube|access-date=27 December 2019}}

* {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kEv6lyvs_E|title=Underappreciated Historical Weapons: THE GAUNTLET SWORD / Pata|language=EN|website=YouTube|access-date=27 December 2019}}

{{Swords by region}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pata (sword)}}
[[Category:Blade weapons]]
[[Category:Indian swords]]
[[Category:South Asian swords]]
[[Category:Weapons of India]]