The pata has a long straight blade ranging in length from 10 to 44 inches.
The blades were sometimes locally made and other times recycled from older European swords imported through colonial trade.
In the case of European blades, broadswords were most common, though rapier blades were occasionally employed.

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.
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.
The pata has a long straight blade ranging in length from 10 to 44 inches. The blades were sometimes locally made and other times recycled from older European swords imported through colonial trade. In the case of European blades, broadswords were most common, though rapier blades were occasionally employed. 
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. 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.
Pata (sword)