[citation needed] The hilt also has a long cuff which is usually decorated and in older examples inlaid and embellished with gold and silver.

[citation needed] The Maratha ruler Shivaji I and his general Baji Prabhu Deshpande were reputedly trained in the use of the pata.

[4] Miniature paintings show that the pata was also wielded by mounted cavalry,[1] which has led some modern collectors to erroneously conclude that the weapon was used for thrusting from horseback.

However, the restriction on wrist movement would have made it difficult to dislodge the pata from an opponent's body, and doing so while mounted would most likely cause the swordsmen to fall off their horses.

It is said that Maratha warriors would swing the pata in circular movement like whirlwind when encircled before they fell, so as to maximize the casualties on the opposition.