Maduvu
Also known as: maru, madu, maan kombu
A Tamil defensive weapon made of two opposing blackbuck horns joined by crossbars that form the grip; practised in silambam.
Quick Facts
IndiaAbout the weapon
The maduvu, also known as maru or madu, is a weapon from India that originates in Tamil Nadu. It is traditionally made from horns of the blackbuck antelope, hence its other name maan kombu. We have not been able to establish the dating of its origin. It consists of two horns pointing in opposite directions, joined by two crossbars that also serve as the grip. Later variants had steel tips and sometimes a plate of leather or steel serving as a shield. In Punjab, the madu is usually made entirely of steel. We have not found dimensions in the sources. The maduvu is one of many weapons of Tamil silambam. It is handled like a double-bladed dagger, but is above all defensive, favouring a low stance in which the fighter tries to stay lower than the opponent. It is used against an opponent with a long knife, a sword, the long staff sedikuchi or the short staff muchan. Stances derive from animal movements, such as the frog, the snake, the mouse, the tiger, the elephant and the eagle. Under the name madu it is also known in the Maratha martial art mardani khel, described there as a thrusting weapon inspired by deer antlers. A similar tool served for self-defence among jogis, whose order forbade them ordinary weapons.