Pill Kathi

Kodava Name

Pill Kathi (ಪಿಲ್ ಕತ್ತಿ)

English Name

Paddy and Grass Cutting Knife

Alternate Names

Pill Kathi, Paddy Cutting Knife, Grass Cutting Knife

Short Description

Pill Kathi is a traditional Kodava agricultural knife used for cutting paddy and grass. It was a practical implement associated with farming and the management of grass and vegetation. The KodavaClan Virtual Museum specifically records its use for cutting paddy and grass.

 Full Description

Pill Kathi was a practical hand tool used in the agricultural life of Kodagu. Its primary purpose was to cut paddy during harvesting and to cut grass for household and agricultural requirements.

As a hand-held cutting implement, it allowed agricultural work to be carried out directly in the fields and surrounding areas without the need for mechanised equipment. The knife represents the close relationship between traditional Kodava households, paddy cultivation, livestock and the landscape around them.

Traditional Use

Pill Kathi was principally used for:

• Cutting mature paddy during harvest
• Cutting grass
• Gathering vegetation required for household or agricultural purposes

The KodavaClan Virtual Museum identifies its specific traditional function as cutting paddy and grass.

Design & Form

Pill Kathi is a compact hand-held cutting implement, designed to provide a sharp cutting edge suitable for severing paddy stalks and grass. Its form would allow the user to hold it securely while making repeated cutting movements.

Materials

The principal materials would be:

• Iron or steel for the cutting blade
• Wood for the handle

The use of a durable metal cutting edge combined with a wooden grip reflects the practical construction of traditional agricultural hand tools.

Method of Making

The blade was traditionally made by forging and shaping iron or steel, followed by hammering, grinding and sharpening to create a suitable cutting edge. A wooden handle was shaped separately and fitted securely to the tang or base of the blade.

The blade required regular sharpening because repeated cutting of paddy stalks and grass would gradually blunt its edge.