A katar, also known as a Bundi dagger, is a type of short punching sword used in Persia and northern India. It is notable for its horizontal hand grip, which results in the blade of the sword sitting above the user's knuckles. Typically the sword was used in close range hand-to-hand combat, effective in armour piercing. The blade was often folded or corrugated for additional strength. "Hooded katars" are katars with a shield extending over the back of the user's hand. Katars ceased being in common use in the 19th century.