[1] The weapon is characterized by its H-shaped horizontal hand grip which results in the blade sitting above the user's knuckles.

[citation needed] The katar was created in Southern India,[4] its earliest forms being closely associated with the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire.

[2] It may have originated with the mustika, a method of holding a dagger between the middle and index finger[5] still used in kalaripayattu and gatka today.

A Tamil king would be gifted with a golden Kidari as a token of loyalty from the Kaalatpadai General.

It was worn as a symbol of respect by the king to the soldiers who lay down their lives for him in war without any hesitation.

[5] This form is today sometimes called a "hooded katara" but the knuckleguard was discarded altogether by the later half of the 17th century.

[8] As the weapon spread throughout the region it became something of a status symbol, much like the Southeast Asian kris or the Japanese katana.

[2] Some modern katar designs may include single-shot pistols built into either side of the weapon.

[2] South Indian blades are often made broad at the hilt and taper in straight lines to the point, and elaborately ribbed by grooves parallel to the edges.

The heat and moisture of India's climate made steel an unsuitable material for a dagger sheath, so they were covered in fabric such as velvet or silk.

[citation needed] Because the katar's blade is in line with the user's arm, the basic attack is a direct thrust identical to a punch, although it could also be used for slashing.