Knives have been a very intrinsic part of world civilization and have been quite common as we find them right from the prehistoric times. With time and with development in technology and techniques, there have been many variations that have been introduced as per the needs and have been given different names. Punch Dagger or the Jamadhar is one such innovation, used as an important weaponry, most likely introduced by the Rajputs that was then adopted by the Mughals in the 16th century.
It becomes a much popular weaponry in the Mughal times with many miniatures, paintings and illustrated manuscripts depicting important court officials and court members carry a punch dagger with them that is usually shown attached to their belt of their gowns. 
William Irvine tries to differentiate between a dagger and a kattar, arguing that both have hilts with double extensions, but a kattar/cutter has a thick blade with two cutting edges, and Jamadhar, on the other hand, has a broad and a straight blade. 
Ain-I Akbari mentions about the Jamadhar as an important weapon with a handle and a broad straight blade. Interestingly, it mentions the price range of a Jamadhar in the market, ranging from about half a rupee to 2 ½ mohurs. Babur in his memoir writes about him gifting jewelled kattars and Jamadhar to his nobles and officials for the holy festival of Eid. Akbar’s reign too records officials being presented Jamadhar by the ruler. In the Shahjahani period, we come across jewelled and enamelled sets of Jamadhars and many made of gold. A very expensive Jamadhar for about 1000rs is mentioned from the Aurangzeb’s reign.