Maduvu
| Maru | |
|---|---|
| Variations of a traditional Indian weapon made from horns. | |
| Type | Melee |
| Place of origin | India |
The maduvu (Tamil: மட்டுவு; Marathi: madhu, 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-defence 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
- ^ a b Master Murugan, Chillayah (20 October 2012). "Silambam Weapons Maduvu". Silambam. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ "Horns for defence". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 11 October 2008.
- ^ Richard F. Burton (1884). The Book Of The Sword. Dover. ISBN 0-486-25434-8.