Rare child's Katar, dagger with sheath of a young aristocrat - India - Mughal Empire (1526-1857)

A beautiful example of a rare katar from Deccan, India.
In many ancient Indian cultures, boys began training in the art of warfare at an early age (sometimes as young as five!). To this end, most of these cultures produced their own small traditional weapons depending on specific demand.
The hilt consists of two bars of silver-gilt coated iron that extend behind the line of the blade and end in a slight point. Two crosspieces connect the bars and act as the handle of the katār. The blade is triangular, but thin and sharp, riveted at the top; extended beyond the knuckles of the fighter's hand to make it optimal in close quarters or hand-to-hand combat. Deep grooves have been engraved on the surface which harmoniously follow the tapered line of the blade. At the tip, the dagger is strengthened, a fundamental element to allow easier piercing of metal or cooked links.
The scabbard is made of wood covered in crimson fabric.
The katar comes with a display stand.
Dimensions:
katar, 27,5 x 7,3 x 1.5 cm (without scabbard); 33 x 7,5 cm (with sheath)