Valari

A valari (Tamil: வளரி) is a traditional weapon, primarily used by the Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent.[1] The valari actually looks and act as boomerang. The valari (boomerang) was used by Tamil people in ancient times on battles. The valari is used for protecting cattle from predators, and for war and hunting.

This article is about the weapon. For the villages in Romania, see Vălari (disambiguation). For the 1970s compact car, see Plymouth Volaré.
International Valari Federation (IVF)
TypeWorld's 1st Traditional Art
Place of originSivaganga, Tamil Nadu, India
Service history
Used byIndia
Production history
Variantswww.valari.org
Specifications
Maximum speed 1000

The valari has a long history, dating back to pre-historic times. The valari was very popular in the southern part of India played in its different forms. Valaris are described in the Tamil Sangam Purananuru: a historical version of the Sangam literature, the Purananuru 233rd Poem says about the Thigri, which means valari.

The techniques and philosophies of valari are long periods of interaction with Tamil (India) peoples, cultures, and Traditional Arts. Valari is a synthesis of the game which is played in various methods with same name. Valari received international exposure from 2018 onwards, demonstrated and played in various states of India. In 2018, the International Valari Federation (IVF) came into existence and compiled standard rules. After formation of the International Valari Federation (IVF), the 1st National Valari Championship were held in Vellore on 16th Dec-2018, 2nd National Valari Championship were held in Lucknow, UP on 27th Oct 2019 and 3rd National Valari Championship were held in Chennai on 14th March 2021. The International Valari Federation (IVF) has given new shape to the rules and has the right to modify them.

Construction

Valari is a Mother of All Traditional Arts developed in the Tamilnadu, India. International Valari Federation (IVF) had taken foot step to develop Valari traditional sport. In the year 2018, IVF declared “Valari” as Mother of All Traditional Arts and formed separate commission as “International Valari Federation (IVF)”. IVF was inaugurated and hosted first organization in the world for Valari sport. The primary objective of which was to lay the foundation for the future of Valari. IVF became the most important world governing body for Valari.

Valaris are made in many shapes and sizes. The usual form consists of two limbs set at an angle; one thin and tapering, the other rounded to form a handle. Valaris are usually made of iron cast in moulds, although some may have wooden limbs tipped with iron or have lethally sharpened edges.

Use

The thrower holds the valari by one of its limbs and throws it. There are several ways of throwing and aiming. It is usually given a spin while throwing. While flying through the air, it can maneuver and execute several types of movements according to the throwers purpose. It may spin in the vertical axis, horizontal axis, or just fly without spinning. The spin may also vary in speed. A lethal throw is given a spin and aimed at the neck. A non-lethal throw is given a spin and aimed at the ankles or knees. This is to capture a fleeing victim. A simple hurting blow does not have any spin. It is sharp enough to cut through a person's neck during war.

It is mostly used once for wars and hunting by the people of Tamil Nadu, known as Kallar and Maravar and Agamudaiyar people. The English destroyed most of the valaris when they came for conquest as they thought it would be a potential weapon of war. Only a handful of valaris are left in Tamil Nadu now.

It was also exchanged between the bride and bridegroom families of Kallars and British archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote had recalled the old saying “send the valari and bring the bride".[2] The Pudukkottai kings always kept valari weapons in their arsenal. [3]

References
  1. Thurston, Edgar (2001) [First printed in 1909 by Madras Government Press]. "Kallan". Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. III (Fourth AES reprint ed.). New Delhi: J. Jetley. p. 70. ISBN 978-81-206-0288-5. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  2. Ethnographic Notes in Southern India. 1906. pp. 559.
  3. The Book Of The Sword. 1884. pp. 38.

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