17 C Hooded Kattar Dagger

This fine Kattar dagger is from the mid  17 C. or a bit later, most probably from Vijanyagara, India. Finely fullered and chiseled blade forged from wootz (watered) steel of rather low contrast pattern. Steel hood with a pierced and chased silver cover. Original hand cushion below the hood. Chased silver cover also on the side bars. Blade 11 total 16 1/2 inches. Very good condition. The hood is riveted to the back of the blade and it may suggest that it is a later repair or replacement. Yet both the hood and the silver cover are old, may be 18 C. or about. Very impressive item.