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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 | |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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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]] | 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 | 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== | ||
*[[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)]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 71: | Line 69: | ||
== 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 | * {{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 | * {{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 | {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}} | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pata (sword)}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Pata (sword)}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Edged and bladed weapons]] | ||
[[Category:Indian swords]] | [[Category:Indian swords]] | ||
[[Category:South Asian swords]] | [[Category:South Asian swords]] | ||
[[Category:Indian | [[Category:Indian martial arts]] | ||
[[Category:Weapons of India]] | |||
[[Category:Indian inventions]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:01, 24 February 2026
| Pata | |
|---|---|
 An ornamental pata with a 41-inch (100 cm) blade | |
| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Marathas |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 10–44 inches (25–112 cm) |
| Blade type | Double-edged, straight |
| Hilt type | Gauntlet type |
The pata (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a sword, originating from the Indian subcontinent, with a gauntlet integrated as a handguard.[1] Often referred to in its native Marathi as a dandpatta, it is commonly called a gauntlet sword in English.
Description[edit | edit source]
,_India,_probably_1700s_-_Higgins_Armory_Museum_-_DSC05546.JPG)
The pata has a long straight blade ranging in length from 10 to 44 in (25 to 112 cm). 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] 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[edit | edit source]
Created in Medieval India,[2] the pata's use in warfare appears to be mostly restricted to the 17th[3] and 18th century[4] when the Maratha Empire came into prominence. It was considered to be a highly effective weapon for infantrymen against heavily armoured cavalry.[citation needed] The Maratha ruler Shivaji I and his general Baji Prabhu Deshpande were reputedly trained in the use of the pata. When Mughal 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.[5]
Recent discovery of Hero stone inscriptions has pushed back the antiquity of the pata to the 12th century.[6]
Use[edit | edit source]
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.[4] The extended grip provided by the forearm permits powerful slashes but restricts any thrusts.[4] This can be seen in mardani khel today and in colonial descriptions which describe spinning techniques with dual pata "much like a windmill".[4]
Miniature paintings show that the pata was also wielded by mounted cavalry,[1] 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.[7][failed verification]
See also[edit | edit source]
- Basket-hilted sword, similar guarding concept
- Chakram
- Gatka
- Katar
- Scissor (gladiator)
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Maratha Pata Gauntlet Sword". www.arms2armor.com. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- ↑ "Swords History - 17th Century AD". www.knightsedge.com. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- ↑ "History of Indian swords". www.swordhistory.info. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Swords And Hilt Weapons. Great Britain: Prion. 2012. ISBN 9781853758829.
- ↑ Jadunath Sarkar (1992). Shivaji and his times. Orient Blackswan. pp. 47–52. ISBN 978-81-250-1347-1.
- ↑ Inscription pushes back sword's history by 500 years http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/95631621.cms
- ↑ "The Pata and the Manople -- Gauntlet Swords". netsword.com. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
External links[edit | edit source]
- Indian gauntlet-sword 'pata' - looking at history, form and martial art. YouTube. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
- Underappreciated Historical Weapons: THE GAUNTLET SWORD / Pata. YouTube. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2019.