Origins
Created during the Mughal period, its use in warfare appears to be mostly restricted to the 17th century when the Marathas came into prominence. Ranging in length from 10-44 inches, it was considered to be a highly effective weapon for infantrymen against heavily armoured cavalry. Folklore has it that a maratha soldier would use the dand patta when encircled, so as to maximize the casualties on the opposition, before he fell. The founder of the Maratha Empire --- Shivaji --- was reputedly trained in the art of fighting with pata. One of his generals, Tanaji Malusare, wielded the weapon with both hands during the Battle of Sinhagad, before one of his hands was cut off by the Rajput Udaybhan Singh Rathod.
Read more about this topic: Pata (sword)
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