Martial Arts in India, Origin, Evolution, Various Forms
06-10-2024
06:30 PM
Prelims: History of India
Mains: The salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Martial arts, the ancient combat practices rooted in various cultures and traditions, have found a profound resonance in India. Initially used for warfare, these art forms are now practised for demonstration, rituals, physical fitness, and self-defence. Martial arts, literally meaning 'arts associated with waging war,' are closely intertwined with dance, yoga, and performing arts in India. These combat forms instil self-discipline and self-defence skills and promote respect, perseverance, and inner strength, making them an integral part of India's cultural identity and a source of national pride. Some popular martial arts in India are Malla Yuddha, Kalaripayattu, Silambam and Thang-ta.
Martial Arts Origin and Evolution
The earliest evidence of martial practices in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, with seals depicting men spearing each other, and a spear-thrower statue. However, the written source of such practices dates back to the Vedic era.
- Ancient origins:
- The Dhanurveda section of the Yajurveda contains references to martial arts.
- Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana describe detailed accounts of armed and unarmed combat, involving various weapons and fighting techniques.
- The earliest organised unarmed fighting art was malla-yuddha (combat-wrestling), codified into four forms during the Vedic Period.
- Classical Period (3rd to 10th centuries CE): Elements from Yoga Sutras and dance forms were incorporated into martial arts during the 3rd century CE.
- The Sushruta Samhita(4th century CE) identified 108 vital points on the human body, 64 being lethal if struck properly.
- Around 630 CE, the Pallava dynasty commissioned sculptures depicting unarmed fighters disarming armed opponents.
- Martial arts were taught at educational institutions, not limited to the warrior class.
- The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty (7th–10th centuries CE) commissioned texts on martial arts and practised these systems.
- Medieval Period (11th to 15th centuries CE): Kalaripayattu developed its present form by the 11th century during warfare between the Chera and Chola dynasties.
- The Malla Purana (c.13th century) is the earliest treatise discussing malla-yuddha techniques.
- The Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th centuries CE) gave importance to physical culture, with wrestling being popular among royalty and commoners.
- Accounts describe specialised weapons training, fencing, and wrestling among the nobility of Vijayanagara.
- Mughal Era (1526–1857 CE): The Mughals patronised India's native martial arts, recruiting Rajput fighters and practising these systems.
- The Ain-i-Akbari mentions various fighting styles like wrestling, boxing, sword-fighting, and archery being demonstrated at the Mughal court.
- The pehlwani wrestling style was developed by combining malla-yuddha with Persian varzesh-e bastani influences.
- The Naga warrior-ascetics practised armed martial arts to protect Hindus from Mughal rulers.
- Maratha dynasty (1674–1859 CE): The Marathas were known for their expertise in swords, spears, and guerilla tactics (Shiva sutra).
- Shivaji, the Maratha warrior-king, was a master swordsman and proficient in various weapons, including the native Mardani khela.
- The Maratha Light Infantry, tracing its origins to 1768, is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army.
- Modern period (1857–present): Indian martial arts underwent a decline during the British colonial rule due to the introduction of firearms and European modes of warfare.
- Certain styles like Kalaripayattu and Silambam were banned but later revived as part of the anti-colonial movement in the early 20th century.
- Martial communities like Sikhs were employed in the British armed forces, allowing them to practice their traditional boxing styles like loh-musti.
Martial Arts Major Forms in India
Martial arts are practised in India and involve not only fighting skills but also physical health, mental stability, and spiritual welfare. Indian martial arts are extremely varied, with distinct forms and styles found in every part of the nation that frequently reflect local customs and culture.
Types | Description |
Kalaripayattu | - Kalaripayattu, one of India's oldest martial arts, originated in Kerala around the 3rd century BC. - It is practised in most parts of Southern India and includes mock duels, physical exercises, and a style of fighting that is primarily focused on footwork, kicks, strikes, and weapon-based practice. - It forms the basis of all martial art forms, including Karate and kung fu. - The art is still rooted in traditional rituals and ceremonies and includes techniques such as Uzhichil, fighting with Otta, Maipayattu, Puliyankam, Verumkai, and Angathari. - Even women practice this art, and it is still rooted in traditional rituals and ceremonies. |
Silambam | - Silambam, a modern and scientific martial art in Tamil Nadu, was promoted by Pandyas, Cholas, and Cheras during their reign. - The silambam bamboo was a popular trading item with traders and visitors from Rome, Greece, and Egypt, and was mentioned in the 2nd AD Tamil literature, Silappadikaram. - The long staff is used for mock fighting and self-defence. - Techniques include swift foot movements, hand-waving, thrust, cut, chop, and sweep to achieve mastery and development of force, momentum, and precision. - Players must be trained to diffuse uncontrollable mobs using strokes like snake, monkey, and hawk hits, as well as deflect stones thrown by them. |
Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak | - Thang-ta,an armed martial art created by the Meitei people of Manipur, is considered one of the most lethal combat forms. - Sarit Sarak, an unarmed art form, uses hand-to-hand combat. - Their history dates back to the 17th century when they were used by Manipuri kings against the British. - Despite being banned by the British after their capture, they came back to the limelight post-independence. - The two primary components of Thang-ta are a sword and a spear. (Thang-"sword," and Ta - "spear.") - The combined name of the two parts, Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak, is Huyen Langlon. |
Gatka | - Gatka is a weapon-based martial art form performed by Sikhs in Punjab, showcasing skillful use of weapons like sticks, Kirpan, Talwar, and Kataar. - The art form's attack and defence are determined by hand and foot positions and weapon nature. - Gatka is displayed at various celebrations, including fairs, and signifies freedom and grace. |
Cheibi Gad-ga | - It is an ancient martial art from Manipur, involving fighting using a sword and shield. - It has been modified to a soft leather stick instead. The contest takes place in a 7-meter circle with two lines 2 meters apart. - The Cheibi stick is 2 to 2.5 feet long, and the shield is 1 meter in diameter. Victory is determined by points earned during a duel based on skills and brute force. |
Pari-khanda | - It is a martial art from Bihar, created by Rajputs, involving sword and shield fighting. It is still practiced in Bihar and is widely used in Chhau dance. - The name combines the words 'Pari' meaning shield and 'khanda' meaning sword, indicating the use of both weapons in the art. |
Thoda | - Originating from Himachal Pradesh, is a blend of martial arts, sports, and culture. - It takes place during the Baisakhi festival in April and involves community prayers to invoke the blessings of Goddesses Mashoo and Durga. - The martial art relies on archery skills and dates back to the epic battles in Mahabharata. - The game involves two groups of around 500 people each, mostly dancers, and is played in a marked court to ensure discipline. - The teams are called Pashis and Saathis, believed to be descendants of Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharata. - The archers aim for the leg below the knee, as there are negative points for striking other parts of the body. |
Kuttu Varisai (Empty-Hand Silambam) | - Kuttu Varisai, first mentioned in Sangam literature, translates to 'empty hand combat' and is primarily practised in Tamil Nadu. - This is an unarmed Dravidian martial art that enhances athleticism and footwork through starching, yoga, gymnastics, and breathing exercises. - Major techniques include grappling, striking, and locking, and it uses animal-based sets like snake, eagle, tiger, elephant, and monkey. |
Musti Yuddha | - It is an unarmed martial art form originating in Varanasi and is a popular art form that incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. - It uses techniques like kicks, punches, knee, and elbow strikes. |
Malla Khamb | - It is a gymnastic and martial arts form, combining acrobatics, strength training, and combat techniques. - It is practiced in Madhya Pradesh. - Practitioners perform intricate postures using a stationary vertical pole.
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Malla Yuddha | - This traditional combat wrestling is the oldest known codified form of fighting in the Indian Subcontinent. - It is related to other Southeast Asian wrestling styles including Naban. - Famous practitioners included Gautama Buddha, Krishna Deva Raya, etc. - The art is divided into four categories, named after Hindu Gods who excelled in it.
- Vajra-Mushti: It shares its training methodology with malla-yuddha and uses a knuckle duster-like weapon for striking and defence. |
Inbuan Wrestling | - It is a Mizoram martial art dating back to 1750 AD and is characterised by strict rules prohibiting stepping out of the circle, kicking, and knee bending. - The goal is to lift the opponent off their feet while adhering to these rules, and the wrestlers must catch their waist belt. |
Lathi | - It is an ancient armed martial art form in India and is a weapon used by Indian police to control crowds. - It refers to a stick, typically cane sticks, 6-8 feet long, sometimes metal-tipped. - Despite being one of the world's oldest martial arts, Lathi remains a popular sport in villages in Punjab and Bengal. |
Mardani Khel | - It is a traditional Maharashtrian martial art practised in Kolhapur, focusing on weaponry skills, swift movements, and low stances. - It is known for its use of the unique Indian Patta (sword) and Vita (corded lance), with famous practitioners including Shivaji. |
Sqay | - It is a traditional martial art from Kashmir that utilises wooden weapons and involves fluid, graceful movements. |
Other forms of Martial Arts
Martial Art, Origin | Description |
Paika Akhada, Odisha | - A combination of dance and combat. Earlier used by warriors, now practised as a performing art. |
Kathi Samu, Andhra Pradesh | - Ancient skill mastered by royal armies of the State. |
Bandesh, Rajasthan | - Ancient unarmed art uses various lock holds against an armed opponent without killing them. |
Insu Knawr, Mizoram | - Players use round wooden rods to play this game within a circle. |
Kirip, Saldu, Nicobar | - Popular in the Nicobarese Tribe, Also known as Nicobarese wrestling |
Varma Ati, Tamil Nadu | - Attacks are aimed at the body’s vital spots |
Martial Arts Government Initiatives
The Government of India aims to promote martial arts in India, provide training opportunities, and recognise the significance of martial arts in physical fitness and self-defence.
- Indigenous Games & Martial Arts (IGMA) Scheme: As a sub-scheme of the National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC), it promotes and preserves Indigenous sports by providing regular training to talented sportspersons in Kalaripayattu, Silambam, Mallakhamb, Mukna, Thang-Ta, Khomlainai, Gatka, Kabaddi, Archery, etc.
- Sports Authority of India supervises the scheme.
- Khelo India Scheme: Promotion of Rural and Indigenous/ Tribal Games’ under the Khelo India Scheme intends to promote rural and indigenous/ tribal sports in India.
- Currently, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka and Thang-Ta have been identified for the support.
- National Martial Arts Academy: This is approved as a School of Fit India by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
- This highlights martial arts' role in promoting fitness and well-being.
Martial Arts UPSC PYQs
Question 1: With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (UPSC Prelims 2014)
- It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India.
- It is an ancient style bronze and brass work still found in the Southern part of the Coromandel area.
- It is an ancient form of dance, drama, and a living tradition in the Northern part of Malabar.
- It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India.
Answer: (d)
Martial Arts FAQs
Q1. What are some popular Indian martial arts?
Ans. Some popular Indian martial arts are Kalaripayattu from Kerala, Gatka from Punjab, Thang-ta from Manipur, and Mallakhamba which originated in Madhya Pradesh.
Q2. What weapons are used in Kalaripayattu?
Ans. Weapons used in Kalaripayattu include the sword, shield, spear, dagger, mace, axe and urumi (flexible sword). Unarmed combat techniques are also a major component.
Q3. What is the purpose of martial arts demonstrations in Mallakhamba?
Ans. Martial techniques in Mallakhamba showcase fighting skills and combat positions while balancing on a vertical pole. This demands great strength, flexibility and focus.
Q4. Which body part is used as a weapon in Thang-ta?
Ans. Thang-ta utilises hand strikes, kicks, and blows using the knee and elbow strikes drawing from the arts of sword fighting and spearmanship.
Q5. Why did Sikh gurus encourage learning of Gatka?
Ans. Sikh gurus encouraged learning martial arts like Gatka to defend religious freedom against Mughal persecution. It is still practised as a cultural heritage
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