Valari

The valari is a traditional art of Tamil Nadu, India. International Valari Federation (IVF) has worked toward developing a traditional sport of valari. In 2018, the IVF declared “Valari” as The Mother of All Traditional Arts and formed a separate commission as the “International Valari Federation (IVF)”. The 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 sharpened edges.

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 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 was used for wars and hunting by the Kallar and Maravar clans of Tamil Nadu.[3] It is recorded that Marudhu brothers were experts at throwing Valaris. In The Hindu article 'The deadly weapon that exemplified Tamil spirit' dated 3rd June 2016 Madurai MP Su.Venkatesan says, "It is said that there were experts in the art of throwing the valari who could at one stroke despatch small game and even man. But now it reposes peacefully in the households of the descendants of Kallar and Maravar warriors who plied it with such deadly effect." 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 Tamilnadu now. The erstwhile rulers of Kallar and Maravar dynasties preserve them at their palaces now. The remaining Valaris are kept for worship by these clans during special occasions such as Ayudhapooja. Valaris taken from Tamilnadu are kept at museums all over the world.

It was also exchanged between the bride and bridegroom families of Kallars. British archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote had recalled the old saying “send the valari and bring the bride".[4] The Pudukkottai kings always kept valari weapons in their arsenal. [5]