Katar
The katar is the Indian punch dagger, a straight, usually double-edged blade set between two parallel side bars that form an H-shaped grip, the whole weapon being pushed forward with the fist like a punch. Because the palm push concentrates the whole force of the arm behind a single point, the katar could pierce mail and helmets in close combat, and it became the characteristic weapon of Rajput and Maratha warriors from about the 16th century onward. In addition to the plain fighting blade there were katar with wavy edges, double blades and side blades, and the wealthiest owners carried gold-d