Silambam

Silambam is a weapon-based Indian martial art originating in modern-day Tamil Nadu in the Indian subcontinent. This style is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature 400 BCE.

The Kings Puli Thevar and Dheeran Chinnamalai had armies of Silambam soldiers named “thadii pattalam.” Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Chinna Maruthu and Periya Maruthu (1760–1799) relied mainly on their Silambam prowess in warfare against the British Army.

Indian martial arts suffered a decline after the British colonists banned Silambam along with various other systems. They also introduced modern western military training, which favored fire-arms over traditional weaponry. During this time, Silambam became more common in Southeast Asia than it is in its native India, where it was banned by the British rulers.

Silambam’s main focus is on the bamboo staff. The length of the staff depends on the height of the practitioner. Ideally, it should just touch the forehead about three fingers from the head, typically measuring around 1.68 meters (five and a half feet). Different lengths may be used depending on the situation. For instance, the sedikuchi or 3-foot stick can be easily concealed. Separate practice is needed for staffs of different lengths. Listed below are some of the weapons used in Silambam.

  • Silambam: staff, preferably made from bamboo, but sometimes also from teak or Indian rose chestnut wood. The staff is immersed in water and strengthened by beating it on the surface of still or running water. It is often tipped with metal rings to prevent the ends from being damaged.
  • Maru: a thrusting weapon made from deer horns
  • Aruval: sickle, often paired
  • Panthukol: staff with balls of fire or weighted chains on each end
  • Savuku: whip
  • Vaal: sword, generally curved
  • Kuttu katai: spiked knuckleduster
  • Katti: knife
  • Kattari: native push-dagger with a H-shaped handle. Some are capable of piercing armor. The blade may be straight or wavy.
  • Surul kaththi: flexible sword
  • Sedikuchi: cudgel or short stick, often wielded as a pair.