Martial Arts In India | Indian Martial Arts | Kalaripayattu

Martial Arts In India

Martial Art in India refers to the fighting systems of the Indian subcontinent. A variety of terms are used for the English phrase “Indian martial arts”, usually deriving from Dravidian sources. While they may seem to imply specific disciplines (e.g. archery, armed combat), by Classical times they were used generically for all fighting systems.

Among the most common terms today, shastra-vidya, is a compound of the words shastra (weapon) and vidya (knowledge). Dhanurveda derives from the words  bow (dhanushya) and knowledge (veda), the “science of archery” in Puranic literature, later applied to martial arts in general.The Vishnu Puran text describes dhanuveda as one of the traditional eighteen branches of “applied knowledge” or upveda, along with shastra or military science. A later term, yuddha kala, comes from the words yuddha meaning fight or combat and kala meaning art or skill. The related term shastra kala ( weapon art) usually refers specifically to armed disciplines. Another term, yuddha-vidya or “combat knowledge”, refers to the skills used on the battlefield, encompassing not only actual fighting but also battle formations and strategy. Martial arts are usually learnt and practiced in the traditional akharas.

Martial arts is a part of India’s ancient culture and a traditional games. Originally a traditional form of martial art that started in South India, and now it has different names and different forms in the culture of the regions in India:

1.Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu, the original martial art from kerala, also known as Kalari, is an Indian martial art that originated in modern-day Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India. Kalaripayattu is known for its long-standing history within Indian martial arts. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India, with a history spanning over 3,000 years.Like most Indian martial arts, Kalaripayattu contains rituals and philosophies inspired by Hinduism. The art also bases medical treatments upon concepts found in the ancient Indian medical text, the Ayurveda. Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga. Kalaripayattu is taught in accordance with the Indian guru-shishya system. Kalaripayattu training differs from many other martial arts systems in the world because in this weapon based techniques are taught first, and barehanded techniques are taught last.

2.Silambam

Silambam is an ancient weapon-based martial art that emerged in Tamilakam, which is now Tamil Nadu region of India. Silambam Martial Art is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. The term Silambam contains a meaning which itself reveals about the sport, silam stands for a ‘mountain’ and bam stands for bamboo which is the main weapon used in this form of martial arts. The first stages of Silambam practice are meant to provide a foundation for fighting, and also preparatory body conditioning. This includes improving flexibility, agility, and hand-eye coordination, kinesthetic awareness, balance, strength, speed, muscular and cardiovascular stamina

3.Gatka

Gatka is a traditional martial art form associated with the Sikh gurus. It imbibes sword and sticks fighting skills and self-control. Gatka is believed to have originated when the 6th Sikh Guru Hargobind adopted ‘Kirpan’ for self-defence during the Mughal era. A style of stick fighting between two or more practitioners, Gatka martial art is a toned-down version of the deadlier Shastar Vidya. The sharp swords of Shastar Vidya have been replaced by wooden sticks (soti) and shields (farri) in Gatka, It is considered as a battle technique. The 10th Guru Gobind Singh made it compulsory for everyone to use the weapons for self-defence. It was earlier confined to gurudwaras, nagar kirtans and akharas, but now it finds presence in the sports category after the formation of the Gatka Federation of India (GFI) in 2008. Today, it is used to showcase self-defence and fighting skills and is open to people of all faiths and communities.

4.Musti-Yuddha

Musti-Yudha, the term literally means "fist combat", from the Sanskrit words muṣṭi (fist) and yuddha (fight, battle, conflict). While this would originally have been used as a general term for any boxing art, today it usually refers to muki boxing from Varanasi, the only surviving unarmed style. Aspiring fighters undergo years of apprenticeship, toughening their fists against stone and other hard surfaces, until they are able to break coconuts and rocks with their bare hands. Any part of the body may be targeted, except the groin, but the prime targets are the head and chest. Techniques incorporate punches, kicks, elbows, knees and grabs. Boxers wear no form of protection and fight bare-fisted. Matches may be one-on-one, one against a group, or group against group. Victory can be attained by knockout, ringout or submission.

5.Thang Ta 

Thang Ta -"The Art of the Sword and Spear"-( earlier known as "HUYEN LALLONG") is the  traditional martial art of Manipur in Northeast India. The thang ta martial art integrates various external weapons - the sword, spear,  dagger, etc. - with the internal practice of physical control through soft movements coordinated with the  rhythms of breathing.  It is part of the great heroic  tradition of Manipur. The heart of Thang-Ta is the "sword". There are literally hundreds of different sword drills for training the basic strokes and stepping patterns.  Many are two person sets, but others may be practiced solo, at least initially.  The Thang-Ta spear forms are more complicated and must be seen to be appreciated. Thang Ta dance is an ancient dance form that is a hybrid of combat and martial dance forms.

6.Lathi Khela

Lathi Khela is a traditional Bengali martial art – a kind of stick fighting practised in India and Bangladesh. In this a practitioner is known as a lathial. It represents one of the world's oldest weapon used in Martial Arts i.e, Lathi or Stick. Today, lathi khela is most often seen during festivals and weddings. The popularity of lathi khela is waning. Practice of this art form throughout the country can increase its popularity and ensure its continued existence.

7.Mardani Khel

Mardani khel is an armed Indian martial art from Maharashtra. It is particularly known for its use of the uniquely Indian patta (sword) and vita (corded lance). The early history of mardani khel as a distinct system is difficult to trace prior to the 1600s, but it is said to owe its development to the particular geographic conditions of Maharashtra. A hilly region characterized by valleys and caves, the inhabitants became expert horsemen who favoured light armour and highly mobile cavalry units during war.

8.Pari Khanda

“Pari-khanda” is a fighting form created by Rajputs and is still practised in many parts of Bihar. “Pari” means shield and “khanda” means sword according “Chhau” region, therefore this art uses sword and shield for fighting. This fighting form has given birth to a local dance form named “Chhau” dance and its martial elements have been fully absorbed by this dance. It is even practised in some parts of Jharkhand and Odisha. Chhau is the name of the traditional dance- drama of the eastern regions of India and is of three types. The three forms of “Chhau” are named after the district or village where they are performed, i.e. the Purulia Chau of Bengal, the Seraikella Chau of Bihar and the Mayurbhanj Chau of Orissa.

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