This small dagger with an ‘S’ shaped blade has a hilt with the figure of the ‘makara’(a composite creature). The scales on the neck, the wings, the teeth and the leafy tail are very beautifully delineated.Possibly of Nayaka patronage, the dagger relates to many similar objects such as palanquin finials, ivory, wood and stone carvings of this period. The Nayakas ruled parts of eastern Karnataka between 14th to late 18th century.
