Madu
| Madu | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | Stabbing weapon, protective weapon |
| Designations: | Maru, Singauta, Fakir's Horns |
| Use: | Weapon, traditional weapon, civil weapon |
| Creation time: | approx. 16th century |
| Working time: | til today |
| Region of origin / author: |
India , fakirs |
| Distribution: | India |
| Overall length: | approx. 22 cm - approx. 89 cm |
| Handle: | Horn, metal |
| Particularities: | A short dagger is often attached in the middle of the shield. In some versions, pointed blades are attached to the ends of the horns. |
| Lists on the subject | |
A Madu (Maru or Singauta, or also Fakir's Horns) is a medieval attack and defense weapon from India .
description
The madu (shield) is made from the horns of antelopes . They are attached parallel to each other, with the horn tips aligned with one another so that each tip points in a different direction. Both horns are connected to each other by two iron webs, with a little space left to allow space for the hand. As a rule, a small shield is attached in the middle, where one of the horns serves as a handle . The shield is made of iron or leather.
On some Madus, the horn ends have metal tips that are sharpened. There is also a version without a shield, related to the Madu. These are called "horns of the fakirs " (English fakirs' horns). The blunt ends of the horns are often covered with metal caps that are shaped like animal heads.
use
The Madu is used in combat as a defensive and offensive weapon. For example , while you wield a saber in your right hand , you take the madu in your left hand. With the shield and the horns it is possible to repel enemy saber blows. If the enemy is distracted by an attack, it is possible to stab with the tips of the horns. The "horns of the fakir" are almost identical to the madu; except for the missing shield. They were used by fakirs because they were forbidden to carry weapons. These "horns of the fakir" were not considered a weapon in ancient India.
See also
literature
- Gayatri Nath Pant, Indian shield. Army Educational Stores, New Delhi 1982
- George Cameron Stone : A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times. With an introduction by Donald J. LaRocca. Courier Dover Publications, Mineola NY 1999, ISBN 0-486-40726-8 , (available online)
- Lord Egerton of Tatton: Indian and Oriental Armor. Courier Dover Publications et al., Mineola NY et al. 2002, ISBN 0-486-42229-1 .