MARTIAL ARTS IN INDIA

Martial arts in India have a deep civilizational history rooted in the subcontinent’s military traditions, spiritual practices, and physical culture. The earliest reference to martial traditions is found in the Dhanurveda, an Upaveda of the Rigveda, which deals with the science of archery and warfare. Another foundational concept is Marma Shastra, the study of vital points in the human body, knowledge of which was essential for warriors and healers alike. The oldest recorded organized unarmed martial art in India is Malla-Yuddha, a form of combat wrestling mentioned in ancient epics. Indian martial arts evolved not merely as fighting systems but as holistic disciplines integrating physical strength, mental discipline, and ethical conduct.

MAJOR MARTIAL ARTS OF INDIA 

1. Kalaripayattu
- One of the oldest martial arts in the world, originating around 200 BC–200 AD.
- Traditionally attributed to Sage Parashurama, who is believed to have established its training centres.
- Practised mainly in Kerala and adjoining regions of Tamil Nadu.
- Emphasises flexibility, agility, footwork, kicks, strikes, and weapon-based combat.
- Includes both armed and unarmed combat techniques.
- Not accompanied by drumming or songs during practice.
- Women also practised it; Unniyarcha is a legendary female warrior.
- Important components:
  - Uzhichil: Oil massage using gingelly oil.
  - Maipayattu: Body conditioning exercises.
  - Puliyankam: Sword combat.
  - Verumkai: Bare-handed combat.
- It was banned during British colonial rule.

2. Silambam
- A weapon-based martial art from Tamil Nadu.
- Primarily involves bamboo staff fighting.
- Characterised by swift footwork, thrusts, cuts, sweeps, and circular movements.
- Inspired by animal movements such as snake, tiger, and eagle.
- Kuttu Varisai is the unarmed component of Silambam.

3. Gatka
- A traditional martial art of the Sikh community of Punjab.
- Weapon-based art involving sticks, kirpan, talwar, and kataar.
- Combines physical skill with spiritual discipline.

4. Musti Yuddha
- An unarmed martial art originating from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual development.
- Dominated by punches and elbow strikes.
- Limited use of kicks and knee strikes.

5. Mardani Khel
- A weapon-based martial art from Kolhapur region of Maharashtra.
- Weapons used include Vita (corded lance) and Pata (sword).
- Emphasises swift movements and combat skills.

6. Pari Khanda
- Developed by the Rajputs of Bihar.
- Involves sword and shield combat.
- Techniques and footwork influence Chhau dance.

7. Malla-Yuddha
- Traditional combat-wrestling form mentioned in the Mahabharata.
- Includes grappling, joint locks, punches, choking, biting, and pressure-point attacks.
- Detailed description found in Manasollasa by Chalukya King Someshwara.
- Four variants:
  - Hanumanti: Emphasis on technical skill.
  - Jambuvanti: Focus on locking and holding techniques.
  - Jarasandhi: Breaking limbs and joints.
  - Bhimaseni: Focus on brute strength.

8. Cheibi Gad-Ga
- Ancient martial art of Manipur.
- Involves sword and shield combat.
- Victory depends on skill rather than brute force.

9. Inbuan
- Traditional wrestling form from Mizoram.
- Originated in the village of Dungtlang.
- Conducted inside a circular area of 15 feet diameter.
- Bending knees or stepping out of the circle is prohibited.

10. Thang-Ta
- Popular martial art of Manipur, also known as Huyen Lallong.
- Uses swords and spears.
- Sarit Sarak is the unarmed form.
- Practised in three forms:
  - Ritualistic and tantric practices.
  - Sword and spear dances.
  - Practical combat techniques.

11. Thoda
- Martial art from the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh.
- Performed during Baisakhi festival.
- Based on archery skills using wooden bows and arrows.
- Traces its origin to the Mahabharata period.

12. Paika Akhada
- Traditional warrior training system of Odisha.
- Paika means warrior and Akhada means training ground.
- Served as training centres for peasant militias.
- Combines performance art with martial techniques.
- Uses swords, sticks, shields, and acrobatic movements.
- Paikas were known as Khandayats.

13. Sqay
- Weapon-based martial art from Kashmir.
- Armed Sqay uses curved single-edged swords and shields.
- Unarmed Sqay includes punches, kicks, locks, and chops.
- Two competitive forms:
  - Loba: One-to-one combat.
  - Artistic event: Performed without music.

14. Kara Kathi Samu
- Ancient martial art from Andhra Pradesh.
- Practised by royal armies.
- Performance arena is known as Garidi.
- Stick fighting (Vairi) acts as a prelude to sword combat.
- Includes Gareja (four swords technique) and Dal Farri Khadga.
- Patronised by Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties.

15. Varma Kalai
- Weaponless martial art practised by monks in ancient times.
- Integrates combat techniques with Yoga and Ayurveda.
- Focuses on attacking vital points of the human body.
- Primarily used for self-defence.

16. Insu Knawr
- Indigenous rod-pushing sport of Mizoram.
- Played inside a circular area of 16 feet diameter.
- Uses a wooden or bamboo rod about 8 feet long.
- Tests balance, strength, and coordination.

CONCLUSION

Indian martial arts reflect the country’s composite cultural heritage, blending warfare, spirituality, health sciences, and community traditions. From the sophisticated combat systems of Kalaripayattu and Thang-Ta to the ritualistic and performative traditions like Paika Akhada, these martial forms are not merely fighting techniques but living traditions. Preserving and promoting them is essential not only for cultural continuity but also for physical fitness, self-defence awareness, and national heritage conservation.
 

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Subject: Art and Culture

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