214 



9P0LTA ZEYLANTCA. 



where in all probability this particular form of d^.gger had 

 its origin. • 



^ 



This specimen is rather an elaborate one, the handle and sheath 

 having on them silver work of artistic design. It is a foot 

 in length. It is noteworthy that the handle is rather too narrow 

 for a European hand to grasp comfortably, as I have found to be 

 the case also with Ceylon knuckle dusters. 



January 1906. 



J. P. LEWIS. 



[The weapon described in the foregoing note has the same form 

 as the Katar or Indian dagger, which has been described as the 

 national weapon of the Hindu and " is mentioned by Ibn Batuta, 

 who lived in the days of Mohamed Toghluk — that is, about 

 1332 A.D." 



