Martial Arts in India
Formerly used for warfare, these forms of art are today commonly known for physical health benefits and as a means of self-defense as a religious rite. Martial arts literally mean the Martial Arts in India associated with waging war.
Countless marshals in the country today are closely related to dance, yoga and performing arts, some of these Martial Arts in India forms were banned during the British rule, including Kalaripayattu and Silambam but proliferated after independence.
Kalaripayattu Martial Arts in India
It is one of the oldest martial arts in India. It was practiced in most parts of South India. It will have its origin in the state of Kerala around the 3rd century BC. Kalari is a Malayalam word which means a specific type of school, gymnasium, training room where martial arts were practised and taught.
In this art form, simulated duel, armed and unarmed struggle and physical practice are respected. The most important feature of Kalaripayattu is footwork. It involves kicking, stabbing and weapon-based exercises. Even women practice this art. The roots of Kalaripayattu are still visible in traditional religious rites and festivals.
Kalaripayattu has many techniques and aspects.
Some of them are: Uzhichill or gingelly oil, (Sticks shaped like an ‘S’), Mappayattu or physical exercise, Puliyankulam or sword fighting, Verumkai or bare hand fighting, Angathari or fighting with metal weapons and kolthari, use of sticks.
Silambam Martial Arts in India
Silambam is a type of lathi wielding art, which is a modern and scientific martial art of Tamil Nadu.It was promoted by the kings of Pandya, Chola and Chera dynasties during their reign. The sale of Silambam sticks, pearls, swords and kavach to foreign trade is referred to in the 2nd century A.D. Tamil literature Shilpapadit.
Silambam bamboo sticks were one of the most popular trade items among traders and travellers from Rome, Greece and Egypt. The art evolved into a famous sport in addition to the method of self-defense that reached Malaysia of its origins. Long sticks were used for both simulated fighting and self-defense.
A variety of techniques are used which include sharp movements of the feet, use of both hands for sticks, use of sarcasm, cuts, blows and twists at different levels of the body (head, shoulder, rinse and foot level).The player must also Be trained to disintegrate an unruly herd by using strikes like snake strike, monkey strike, eager strike and deflect the stones thrown by them.Thang-Ta and Sarita Sarak
Sarjit Thang-Ta is an armed martial art by the Meitei people of Manipur which is mentioned as the deadliest battles. Sarit Sarak on the other hand is an indifferent martial art which is helped in the form of hand battel.
Their history dates back to the 17th century when it was successfully used by Manipuri kings to fight the British.
These artists were banned after the British took over the area, although they reappeared after independence. Thang means ‘sword’, while ta means ‘spear’, thus sword and spear are the two main elements of this thang-ta. Thang-Ta and Sarit Sarak together are called Huyen langlon.
Cheibi Gad GA Martial Arts in India
One of the oldest martial arts of Manipur, Cheibi Gad-ga is used to fight using a sword and a shield. It has now been amended to replace the sword with a soft leather covering stick and a shield made of extreme.
The competition takes place on a flat surface on an area of diameter seven metres. Within this circle area, there are two lines on two meters each, the length of the ‘cheib’ stick is between two and two and a half feet while the diameter of the shield is one metre.
Pari-khanda, created by Rajputs, is a form of martial art from Bihar, in which fighting is done using swords and shields. The various stages and techniques of this art still prevalent in many parts of Bihar are widely used in Chhau appointments.
The name of this martial art consists of two words, ‘fairy’ is shield while ‘khanda’ means sword, thus sword and shield are used in this art.
Thoda Martial Arts in India
Originated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Thoda martial arts is an amalgam of sport and culture played annually during Baisakhi Countless community prayers are performed to seek the blessings of the principal deity, Goddess Maasu and Durga.
Martial arts depend on a player’s archery skills. The symbols of Thoda are also obtained from Mahabharata, at which time bows and arrows were used in the big wars fought in the valleys of Kullu and Manali. There are two groups in this game, each group of 500 people.
Most of these people are not archers but dancers who join in to boost the morale of their respective teams This game is played in a pointed courtyard so as to maintain discipline to a certain extent Both parties are called Pasi and companions who are believed to be descendants of Pandavas Archers aim below the knee on the legs because striking any other part of the body gives negative points Kauravas of Mahabharata.
Gatka Martial Arts in India
Gatka is a weapon based martial art performed by the Sikhs of Punjab. ‘Gatka’ means a person whose freedom is related to grace. Gatka involves skillful use of weapons, which including stick, sabres, sword and daggers in this art form, attack and defense are determined on the basis of different positions of hands and feet and the nature of weapon used. It is performed in many festivals of the state including Mela.
It is a traditional martial art form of Maharashtra which is widely practiced in Kolhapur district. Mardaani sports focus on the skill of weapons which especially the swords, Quick movements and crouching postures. The corresponding unique Indian patta is known for its use of sword string dared Barchi.
stick Martial Arts in India
Mainly circulating in Punjab and Bengal, this lathi is still one of the popular games played in the village Indian police can be seen using such lathis to control the crowd. which are an ancient Martial Arts in India
of the country, is one of the oldest weapons in the world used in martial arts, usually six to eight feet long and sometimes with a metal tip.
Inbuan wrestling Martial Arts in India
This indigenous martial art of Mizoram originated in 1750 AD according to the Udyam belief. It has very strict rules under which the interlocutor is obliged to step out of the area and bend the knee. Strictly follow the rules to win in this sport.
Kuttu varisai Martial Arts in India
The tradition of Kattu and Risai Karthak, which was first mentioned in Sangam literature, is in Tamil Nadu, although it is also very popular in Sri Lanka and Northeastern part of Malaysia. is used to enhance dangal and pug work through yoga exercise practice.
Major techniques used in this art include suppression, striking and engaging and also using many animal-based styles including snakes, tigers, elephants and monkeys.
Musti yuddha Martial Arts in India
Originated in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities of the country, Mushti is an art of war similar to boxing, it uses techniques like kicking, anger, knee and who strikes it. The first is Jabuvati, which is to compel him to surrender by engaging and holding it, the second is Hanumanti which is for technology, the third is Bhimseni which focuses on pure power.
Conclusion
India’s rich cultural legacy is closely entwined with martial arts. Indian culture has long placed a strong emphasis on discipline, spirituality, and physical prowess. One example of this is the Keralan Martial Arts in India of Kalaripayattu, which is regarded as the mother of all martial arts.
Manipur’s Thang-Ta tradition blends dance and armed combat, capturing the aesthetics of the local culture. Tamil Nadu’s weapon-based martial art, silambam, places a strong emphasis on rhythm and agility.
It is frequently practiced at festivals. These arts combine physical prowess with philosophical and artistic elements to serve as both expressions of India’s diverse traditions and means of self-defense.