MARTIAL ARTS IN INDIA

 India, the land of diverse culture, is known for its wide variety of martial arts that have developed since the ancient times. Martial arts means "arts associated with the waging of war". A number of martial arts are closely related to dance, yoga and performing arts. Some of the art forms were banned during the British rule, such as Kalaripayattu and Silambam, but the gained popularity post independence. 

Kalaripayattu

One of the oldest martial arts in India, Kalaripayattu is practiced in mostly the southern part of India and originated in the state of Kerala. According to the legends, sage Parsurama started Kalaripayattu. It is not accompanied with any drumming or song. Kalaripayattu's most important key is footwork. It includes a number of techniques and aspects such as: Uzhichil, Otta, Maipayattu, Puliyankam, Verumkai, AngaThari and sticks of Kolthari.

Silambam

Silambam is a modern and scientific martial arts belongs from Tamil Nadu. The kings that ruled in Tamil Nadu, including Pandya, Chola and Chera had promoted it during their reign. The record of its origin can be traced from divine source, for example Lord Muruga and sage Agasthya are credited with the creation of Silambam. The players wear Langots of different colors, turbans, sleeveless vests, canvas shoes and chest guard. Use strokes like snake hits, monkey hits, hawk hits and also deflects stones tthrown by them.

Thang-ta and Sarak

Created by the Meitei people of Manipur, Thang-ta is an armed martial art. Sarak, on the other hand, is an unarmed art form that uses hand-to-hand combat. Sward and spear are the two main elements of Thang-ta.

Cheibi Gad-ga

One of the most ancient martial arts of Manipur. It involves fighting using a sword and a shield. The 'Cheibi' stick is between 2 to 2.5 feet in length, while the shield is around 1 metre in diameter. 

Pari-khanda

Pari-khanda, created by Rajputs, is a form of martial art from Bihar. It involves fighting using sword and shield. Still practiced in many parts of Bihar, its steps and techniques are widely used in "Chhau dance." 

Thoda

Originating in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Thoda is a mixture of martial arts, sports and culture. It takes place during Baisakhi every year. The martial art relies on a player's skill of archery. The equipment required for thi game are wooden bows and arrows. In the game, there are two groups of roughly 500 people each. Most of them are dancers who come along to boost the morale of their respective teams. The two teams are called Pashis and Saathis, who are believed to be the descendants of Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharata. 

Gatka

Gatka is a weapon based martial art form, performed by the Shikh of Punjab. It features the skillful use of weapons, including sticks, Kirpan, Talwar and Kataar. 

Mardani Khel

This is a traditional Maharashtrian armed martial art, is practiced widely in the district of kolhapur. It is known for the use of the unique Indian Pata (sword) and Vita (corded lence).

Inbuan Wrestling

A native martial art form of of Mizoram. This art form was regarded as a sport only after the people of Mizoram migrated from Burma to Lushai hills.

Kuttu Varisai

Mentioned in Sangam literature, Kuttu Varisai is mainly practiced in South India, although popular in north-eastern part of Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The major techniques used in this art include grappling, striking and locking. 

Musti Yuddha

Originated in Varanasi, Musti Yuddha is an unarmed martial art form. It used techniques like kicks, punches, knee and elbows strikes. It is divided into four categories and are named according to the Hindu Gods. The first one is called Jambuvanti that refers to the forcing the opponent into submission through locking and holding. The second is Hanumanti, which is for technical superiority. The third refers to Bhimaseni, which focuses on sheer strength and the last one is called Jarasandha that concentrates on limbs joints breaking.