| Maduvu | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | India |
The maduvu (Tamil language: மட்டுவு; Hindi: singhauta), also known as a maru or madu, is a weapon from India. Most commonly called maru, it is also referred to as maan kombu after the deer horns from which it is made.[1] The weapon typically consists of two blackbuck horns pointing in opposite directions connected by two crossbars which also act as a handle. Later variations were often tipped with steel and sometimes fitted with a plate of leather or steel to act as a shield. In the Panjab, the maru was typically constructed entirely of steel.
The maru originated among the Dravidians of south India and was favoured by the Bhil people.[2] A similar weapon, consisting of a handle mounted on an antelope horn, was used as a crutch and served as a self-defense implement for the jogi who were forbidden by their order to carry conventional weaponry.[3]
Technique
The maru is a primarily defensive weapon favouring a low stance, in which the wielder strives to stay lower than the opponent thereby reducing any openings to the body's vital points.[1] Typically, the maru-wielder will block or parry attacks before countering with a thrust, choke, lock or disarm. Offensively the maru is treated similarly to a dagger, used for stabbing.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Master Murugan, Chillayah (20 October 2012). "Silambam Weapons Maduvu". Silambam. http://www.silambam.asia. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ↑ "Horns for defence". Chennai, India. 11 October 2008. http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/10/11/stories/2008101150880400.htm.
- ↑ Richard F. Burton (1884). The Book Of The Sword. Dover. ISBN 0-486-25434-8.
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