Aruval

The aruval (Tamil: அருவாள், Malayalam: അരിവാൾ, ISO: arivāḷ) is a type of billhook machete from southern India, particularly common in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.^[1][2][3] It is also known as the koḍuvāḷ (Telugu: కొడవలి, romanized: kodvali/ kodivelu, Malayalam: കൊടുവാൾ) or the machchu longu (Kannada: ಮಚ್ಚು). It is a type of long sickle with a knife-like scythe-handle, and 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, especially in the Rayalaseema region. In Kerala, its primary use is for agriculture, mainly in coconut cutting, clearing pathways, cutting wood and other uses.

Aruval
A typical aruval from Tamil Nadu.
Type	Billhook machete
Place of origin	Tamil Nadu, India
Specifications
Length	3 to 6 feet (0.91 to 1.83 m)

Introduction

An aruval usually measures 3–6 ft (0.91–1.83 m) in length (hand sickle measures 1.5 ft (0.46 m)). 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 standard billhook machete kathir aruvāl koyttharivaal for harvesting crops, a longer variation called the veecharuvāl is used for clearing through wooded areas. In Kerala, Malayalam language references the semi-circular knife for paddy, called "koduval" and the regular sized billhook machete is known as "vaakathi" (coconut cutting); while the veecharuval is known simply as aruval. 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 for Khaval Dheivam, are 3.5 ft (1.1 m) in length.

The aruval is often used for worshipping Hindu deities, such as Karuppu Sami and Aiyanar.^[1] Craftsmen have made large, decorative aruval which are kept in temples, such as those in Sivagangai and Thiruppachethi. In 2017, an aruval measuring 27 feet (8.2 m) was forged in Thirupuvanam.^[3][2]

•  
  Veecharuval
•  
  Kathir aruval

In culture

The aruval is a common fixture in many south Indian movies, in which it is often used as a weapon.^[1] The hero or villain often has the aruval in a sleeve sewn into the inside back of his shirt, and will pull it out by reaching behind his neck.^{[citation needed]} The film historian S. Theodore Baskaran has stated that using aruval as a weapon is largely a narrative cliche, and non-fictional murders using it occur relatively rarely.^[1] Nevertheless, the government prohibits aruvals over 2 feet (0.61 m) for general purchase, as well as the veecharuvāl.^[1][3]

See also

• Aiyanar
• Billhook
• Karuppu Sami
• Machete
• Madurai Veeran
• Village deities of South India

References

1. "Did Tamil films give the aruval a bad name?". Mintlounge. 12 October 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
2. Thirunavukarasu, S (16 July 2016). "Sivagangai: 18-foot aruval to adorn hand of village deity". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
3. "27-ft aruval to be unveiled today at Thirupuvanam". The Times of India. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2024.