Dagger (Katar) 17th-18th century South Indian; blade, European The katar is a unique form of Indian dagger, in which the grip is perpendicular to the blade. it was wielded in the right hand, as an independent weapon, or in the left hand, in conjunction with a round shield. Two narrow upright flanges, often bearing fine ornamentation, protect the sides of the hand and wrist. Within the limited confines of these flanges the decoration of this katar depicts one of the most expansive areas of the Hindu pantheon: the ten incarnations (avatras) of Vishnu.Vishnu as the universal savior is one element of Hunduism's trimrti (supreme triune deity), which also encompasses Brahm as the creator and Shiva as the destroyer. In order to sustain mankind or defeat a great evil, Vishnu periodically manifested himself on earth in physical form, or avatar. The number of Vishnu's avatars has evolved over time, but one of the more widely accepted groups comprises the ten avatars represented on this katar.