3. The Urumi was a cross between a sword and a whip. It took years to master and could be used to kill several opponents at once
Quite when the first urumi emerged is the source of much debate. According to some experts, the first such weapons might have been used during the Sangam Period, 1,800 years ago. It was undoubtedly unique to modern-day southern India and Sri Lanka. And, while the precise design of the weapon may have varied, the principle was the same. The urumi is composed of flexible metal blades attached to a single handle. When not in use, the blades – often more than 30 – are wrapped around the waist like a belt. And then, when in use, it is held like a sword but deployed more like a whip.
It was said that a warrior needed to master both weapons before he could even attempt to fight with an urumi. Without good whip skills, an untrained fighter was just as likely to injure, even kill, himself than he was to hurt his enemies. But for a trained fighter, there was arguably no better weapon for taking on multiple opponents, especially if one was held in each hand, as was the style in modern-day Sri Lanka. While it could not thrust, the urumi is a devastating slashing weapon. Today is used in martial arts displays against opponents equipped with small shields.