Nitin Singhania Summary: Martial Art in India | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

• The term "martial arts" refers to various forms of combat and self-defense techniques that are associated with the waging of war.
• During the British colonial rule in India, certain traditional art forms like Kalaripayattu and Silambam were prohibited. However, after India gained independence, these art forms resurfaced and gained popularity once again.

Popular and Prevalent Martial Arts in India

• Kalaripayattu
  • Kalaripayattu is considered one of the oldest martial arts in India and is predominantly practiced in various parts of southern India.
  • The art form originated in Kerala around the 4th century A.D. The term "Kalari" in Malayalam refers to a specific type of training hall or gymnasium where martial arts are taught.
  • According to legend, Sage Parasurama played a crucial role in establishing Kalaripayattu by building temples, introducing martial arts, and initiating the practice.
  • Kalaripayattu involves mock duels, both armed and unarmed, along with physical exercises. Unlike some other martial arts, it is not accompanied by drumming or singing.
  • The primary focus of Kalaripayattu is on fighting techniques, with an emphasis on footwork, kicks, strikes, and weapon-based practice. Both men and women practice this martial art.
  • A famous legendary figure associated with Kalaripayattu is Unniyarcha , a heroine known for her prowess in battles using this martial art. Today, Kalaripayattu is not only a means of self-defense but also a way to achieve physical fitness.
  • The practice includes various techniques and aspects such as:
    • Uzhichil: Massage with Gingli oil.
    • Fighting with Otta: An S-shaped stick.
    • Maipayattu: Body exercises.
    • Puliyankam: Sword fighting.
    • Verumkai: Bare-handed fighting.
    • AngaThari: Use of metal weapons and sticks, particularly Kolthari.
• Silambam
  • Silambam is a traditional form of staff fencing and is considered a modern and scientific martial art originating from Tamil Nadu.
  • Historical records indicate that kings of Tamil Nadu, including the Pandya , Chola , and Chera dynasties, promoted Silambam during their reigns.
  • The ancient Tamil literature Silappadikaram , dating back to the second century A.D., mentions the trade of Silambam staves, pearls, swords, and armor with foreign traders.
  • Silambam staves became popular trading items with visitors and traders from distant lands, including Rome, Greece, and Egypt.
  • The art of Silambam involves the use of a long staff for both mock fighting and self-defense. Its organized practice dates back to the first century A.D. and is believed to have divine origins, with figures like Lord Murugan and sage Agastya credited with its creation. During the Vedic period, training in Silambam was imparted to young men as a ritual and for emergency preparedness. Over time, Silambam evolved from a purely defensive art into a dynamic combat exercise.
  • There are four types of staves used in Silambam:
    • Torch Silambam: Features lighted balls of cloth at one end.
    • Sounding Silambam: Produces a distinctive swishing sound.
    • Clattering Silambam: A non-elastic staff that produces clattering sounds.
    • Short Silambam: A short yet powerful staff.
  • Players wear traditional attire, including coloured langots, turbans, sleeveless vests, canvas shoes, and chest guards, and use wickerwork shields. Techniques in Silambam involve swift foot movements, wielding the staff with both hands, and executing thrusts, cuts, chops, and sweeps with precision and force at different body levels.
  • Winning in Silambam can be achieved through various means, including dispossessing an opponent of their staff, counting touches, or demonstrating skill in protecting a money pouch placed between contestants’ feet.
• Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak
  • Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak are traditional martial arts originating from the Meitei people of Manipur, India.
  • Thang-ta is an armed martial art that prominently features the use of a sword (Thang) and a spear (Ta). Sarit Sarak, on the other hand, is primarily an unarmed combat form but includes armed techniques as well.
  • The history of Sarit Sarak dates back to the 17th century when it was employed by Manipuri kings in their resistance against British colonial forces.
  • Together, Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak are referred to as Huyen Langlon . This ancient martial art form also incorporates the use of other weapons such as axes and shields.
  • There are three distinct ways in which Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak are practiced:
    • The first is a ritualistic practice deeply rooted in tantric traditions.
    • The second involves captivating performances of sword and spear dances that showcase the skills and grace of the practitioners.
    • The third is a practical application of combat techniques, demonstrating the effectiveness and precision of the martial art.
  • Sarit Sarak is particularly noted for its flawless offensive and evasive maneuvers, setting it apart from other martial arts of its kind.
• Cheibi Gad-ga
  • Cheibi Gad-ga is one of the oldest martial arts practiced in Manipur, India.
  • This martial art involves combat using a sword and a shield, although it has been modified in contemporary practice to use a stick encased in soft leather instead of a sword, along with a leather shield.
  • Competitions in Cheibi Gad-ga take place within a circular arena, approximately 7 meters in diameter, on a flat surface. The circle contains two lines, 2 meters apart, which are part of the competition's structure.
  • The 'Cheibi' stick used in the martial art measures between 2 to 2.5 feet in length, while the shield has a diameter of around 1 meter. Points are awarded to participants based on their skills and physical strength displayed during the contest.

Martial Arts of India

Pari-khanda (i) Created by Rajputs , is a form of martial art from Bihar . (ii) Involves fighting using sword and shield . (iii) Still practiced in many parts of Bihar . (iv) Its steps and techniques are widely used in Chhau dance . (v) ‘ Pari ’ means shield while ‘ khanda ’ means sword .

• Thoda (i) Thoda originated in Himachal Pradesh . (ii) Is a mixture of martial arts, sport and culture . (iii) Takes place during Baisakhi (13th and 14th April) every year. (iv) Community prayers are done to invoke blessings of Goddesses Mashoo and Durga . (v) Quite popular in various parts of the state including Narkanda block , Theong division (Shimla district), Chopal division , Solan and Sirmaur district . (vi) Martial art relies on a player’s skill of archery . (vii) It dates back to the Mahabharata , when bows and arrows were used in epic battles in the valleys of Kullu and Manali . (viii) It finds its genesis in Kullu . (ix) The name Thoda is derived from the round wooden piece attached to the head of an arrow to minimise its lethal potential. (x) Equipment required - wooden bows and arrows . (xi) In the game, there are two groups, each consisting of 500 people . (xii) The game is played in a marked court to ensure a certain degree of discipline . (xiii) Two teams are called Pashis and Saathis , believed to be descendants of the Pandavas and Kauravas from the Mahabharata . (xiv) Archers aim for the leg, below the knee, as there are negative points for striking any other parts of the body.
• Gatka (i) A weapon-based martial art form. (ii) Performed by Sikhs of Punjab . (iii) ‘ Gatka ’ refers to one whose freedom belongs to grace. (iv) The word ‘ Gatka ’ comes from a Sanskrit word ‘ Gadha ,’ which means mace . (v) Features skillful use of weapons , including stick , Kirpan , Talwar and Kataar .

Traditional Martial Arts of India

Mardani Khel: A traditional armed martial art from Maharashtra, widely practiced in Kolhapur district. It emphasizes weapon skills, particularly with swords, and involves quick movements and low stances. Notable for the unique use of the Indian Pata (sword) and Vita (corded lance).

• Mardani Khel is a traditional martial art from Maharashtra, India.
• It is primarily practiced in the Kolhapur district.
• The art focuses on weapon skills , particularly with swords, and involves quick movements and low stances.
• Mardani Khel is known for its unique use of the Indian Pata (a type of sword) and the Vita (a corded lance).

Lathi: An ancient armed martial art form centered around the use of a stick, one of the oldest weapons in martial arts. Lathi sticks, typically made from cane and ranging from 6 to 8 feet in length, are sometimes metal-tipped. This martial art is mainly practiced in Punjab and Bengal and is a popular sport in villages across India.

• Lathi is an ancient martial art form that involves the use of a stick , which is one of the oldest weapons in martial arts.
• The sticks used in Lathi are usually made from cane and are between 6 to 8 feet long, with some being metal-tipped.
• This martial art is primarily practiced in Punjab and Bengal , and it is also a popular sport in villages across India.

Inbuan Wrestling: A traditional martial art form from Mizoram, India, with origins dating back to 1750 A.D. in Dungtlang village. The sport has strict rules, including prohibitions on stepping out of the circle, kicking, and bending the knees. Victory is achieved by lifting the opponent off their feet, and wrestlers catch the belt worn around their opponent's waist as part of the technique. This sport gained recognition after the migration of the people of Mizoram from Burma to the Lushai hills.

• Inbuan Wrestling is a traditional martial art form that originates from Mizoram , India.
• It is believed to have started in 1750 A.D. in the village of Dungtlang .
• The sport has strict rules, including prohibitions on stepping out of the circle, kicking , and bending the knees.
• Victory in Inbuan Wrestling is achieved by lifting the opponent off their feet.
• Wrestlers catch the belt worn around their opponent's waist as part of the technique.
• This sport gained recognition after the migration of the people of Mizoram from Burma to the Lushai hills.

Kuttu Varisai: An ancient martial art form mentioned in Sangam literature from the first or second century B.C. Kuttu Varisai, meaning "empty hand combat," is primarily practiced in Tamil Nadu, India, but is also popular in north-eastern Sri Lanka and Malaysia. This unarmed Dravidian martial art involves techniques such as grappling, striking, and locking, and incorporates animal-based techniques inspired by the snake, eagle, tiger, elephant, and monkey. Kuttu Varisai is regarded as an unarmed component of Silambam, another traditional martial art.

• Kuttu Varisai is an ancient martial art form that is first mentioned in Sangam literature from the first or second century B.C.
• The term Kuttu Varisai means " empty hand combat " and the art is mainly practiced in Tamil Nadu , India. It is also popular in north-eastern Sri Lanka and Malaysia .
• Kuttu Varisai is an unarmed Dravidian martial art that involves various techniques such as grappling , striking , and locking .
• The art also incorporates animal-based techniques inspired by the snake , eagle , tiger , elephant , and monkey .
• Kuttu Varisai is regarded as an unarmed component of Silambam , which is another traditional martial art form.

Musti Yuddha: Traditional Martial Art from Varanasi

• Musti Yuddha is a traditional form of martial arts that originated in Varanasi, one of India's oldest cities.
• This unarmed fighting style is similar to boxing and involves various techniques such as kicks, punches, and strikes using knees and elbows.
• Although Musti Yuddha was popular in the 1960s, it is not widely practiced today, with only a few remaining practitioners.
• The aim of this martial art is to develop the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of its practitioners.

Categories of Fights in Musti Yuddha

• The fights in Musti Yuddha are divided into four categories, each named after a Hindu God:
• Jambuvanti : This category focuses on forcing the opponent into submission through locking and holding techniques.
• Hanumanti : Emphasising technical superiority over the opponent, practitioners aim to outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents.
• Bhimaseni : This category concentrates on the use of sheer strength to overpower the opponent.
• Jarasandhi : Aiming at breaking limbs and joints, this category involves more aggressive and potentially harmful techniques.