The Bidu is a bow famous for the Khond, the only remaining tribes of Odisha which are known for their hill and forest dwelling. They are known for their love for nature and self-sufficient means of living. So, the invention of such an instrument as the Bidu has significance regarding their hunting pattern in relation to their ways of living.
The Bidu is simple yet deadly; this is the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Khond. The stave is made from durable, flexible wood, selected from the local trees for durability and resilience. Actually made from thin splits of bamboo-an almost ubiquitous material in this region-the bowstring was chosen on account of its combination of strength and elasticity. The bamboo split is tied and attached at both ends of the stave, where careful notching holds the string secure. Bark fiber is used to bind and reinforce these connections, giving flexibility and grip.
Mainly used by the Khond' for hunting purposes against small to game, the significance of the Bidu is due to its efficiency and silent stealthy movement in an otherwise deafening forest environment. The Bidu carries cultural significance as it finds representation in traditional rites and is an integral part of local folklore.
This bow is made entirely from natural and locally available materials and is a concrete example of a sustainable indigenous technology that has been handed down through the generations in the Khond community.