Engineering:Arival
| அரிவாள் Aruval | |
|---|---|
 A typical aruval from Tamil Nadu | |
| Type | Sickle |
| Place of origin | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 3 to 6 feet (0.91 to 1.83 m) |
The aruval (Tamil: அருவாள்) is a type of billhook from India, particularly common in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is used both as a tool and a weapon. Tamils reserve the weapon as a symbol of karupannar. In popular culture, it is sometimes associated with gangsters. In movies, it is used as a weapon of choice. In Kerala, its primary use is for agriculture, especially cutting coconuts.
Introduction
An aruval usually measures 3–6 feet in length. The blade of this weapon originates at the grip and extends to the main part of the blade. It can be described as a sickle with an extension. It can also be thought of as a Sword with a reverse curve. The shorter versions were handy for breaking apart coconuts, and the longer versions were more like Battle Weapons. The shorter version is usually seen in small villages. Blades are mostly straight with a curve towards the end, allowing it to function as a grabbing tool. The straight portion of the blade is also used for cutting, like a standard knife.
Variants and usage
While farmers typically employ the sickle-like kathir aruvāl for harvesting crops, a longer variation called the veecharuvāl is used for clearing through wooded areas. The veecharuval was also used as a weapon and is still used as such for self-defence in rural areas or gang warfare in cities. When not in use, the weaponised aruval was worn on the back, with the blade pointing downwards and the handle just behind the user's head. Some aruvals, such as those used in worship of the Khaval Dheivam, are as long as 3.5 feet.
References
See also
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