Martial Arts in India

The fighting systems of the Indian subcontinent are referred to as Indian martial arts. The English phrase “Indian martial arts” is referred to by a number of words, most of which are derived from Dravidian roots. 

Among the most commonly used terminology nowadays is astra-vidy, which is a combination of the words astra (weapon) and vidy (science) (knowledge). Dhanurveda is derived from the terms “bow” (dhanushya) and “knowledge” (veda), and refers to the Puranic literature’s “science of archery,” which was then extended to martial arts in general.

History of Indian Martial Arts

Pre-Gupta Period

The Vedas’ Dhanurveda segment (1500 BCE – 1100 BCE) contains references to martial arts. The oldest tales of battle, both armed and bare-handed, may be found in Indian epics. The Mahabharata portrays a prolonged battle between Arjuna and Karna in which they used bows, swords, trees, boulders, and fists to defeat lions with just daggers.

Malla-yuddha, or combat-wrestling, is the oldest documented structured unarmed fighting technique on the Indian subcontinent, formalised into four styles during the Vedic Period. Many of the mainstream games described in the Vedas and epics, such as boxing (musti-yuddha), chariot racing (rathachalan), wrestling (maladwandwa), horseback riding (aswa-rohana), and archery, have their beginnings in military training (dhanurvidya).

Classical Period

Books and articles on martial arts, like other fields of Sanskrit literature, became increasingly methodical in the first century AD. The kshatriya caste was not the only one that practised martial arts, albeit the warrior class did so more frequently. Fighting tactics were taught in educational institutions where non-kshatriya students from all across the subcontinent studied, according to the 8th-century work Kuvalaymala by Udyotanasuri.

During the Caliphate wars in India, the Gurjara-Pratiharas battled off Arab incursions on a regular basis. Sulaiman, an Arab chronicler, described the Gurjara monarch as the greatest obstacle to Islamic expansion while complimenting his cavalry. The Gurjara people continue to practise gatka and kushti, and world-class wrestlers from the community compete at national and international levels to this day.

Middle Ages

Invading Muslim armies occupied India for centuries until it was emancipated. Both nobility and commoners throughout the empire valued physical culture, with wrestling being particularly popular among both men and women. Inside the royal quarters of Vijayanagara, Gymnasiums have been uncovered, and documents talk of frequent physical training for commanders and their army throughout peacetime. Royal palaces and market areas featured unique venues where nobility and commoners alike could witness cockfights, ram bouts, and wrestling events.

Mughal Era

Babur, a Central Asian conqueror, established Mughal dominion in north India during the 16th century after a series of conquests. The Mughals were great supporters of India’s native arts, not only enlisting akhara-trained Rajput combatants in their army but also performing them themselves. The Mughal court had numerous types of fighting men from all across the empire who would exhibit their talents every day in return for prizes, according to the Ain-i-Akbari. Native and Mughal wrestlers, Hindustani athletes, boxers, stone-throwers, and others were claimed to be among them.

Types of Martial Arts in India

Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is India’s popular Kerala-based martial art and one of the world’s oldest combat techniques. The school, training hall, or location where martial arts are taught is a Kalari. It includes punches, kicks, and specific weapon-based techniques. In Kalaripayattu, footwork patterns are the essential factor.

Silambam

Silambam is a  weapon-based martial art of Tamil Nadu, India. Silambam employs a wide range of weaponry, including those unique to the globe. Silambam art is also used in animal movements and footwork patterns, such as snake, tiger, and eagle shapes. The unarmed Kuttu varisai (part of Silambam) is a martial art.

Gatka

Gatka is a weapon-based Indian martial technique developed mainly by Punjabi Sikhs. Stick, Talwar, Kirpan, and Kataar are some of the weapons used in Gatka. The attacking and defending procedures are determined by the placements of the hands and feet and the type of weapon utilised.

Musti Yuddha

It is a “Varanasi” unarmed martial art form. Punches, kicks, knees, and elbow blows are utilised in this fight. This approach is a unique blend of physical, mental, and spiritual growth techniques. This art is rarely seen nowadays, but it was pretty popular in the middle ages.

Thang-Ta

The ancient Manipuri Martial Art, also known as Huyen Lallong, is Thang-Ta. Swords and spears are used in Manipuri Martial arts, a powerful yet gracefully complex technique.

Lathi

Lathi is India’s oldest armed martial art. It is also regarded as one of the world’s earliest martial arts weapons. In India’s Punjab and Bengal regions, lathi, or stick martial arts, is practised. In Indian communities, it is still a popular pastime.

Mardani Khel

The Maratha devised the Mardani Khel, an armed martial art style. Kolhapur is where Maharashtra’s traditional martial art is practised.

Pari-Khanda

Bihar’s Pari-khanda is a sword and shield fighting style. The Rajputs are the creators of this art. Chau dance incorporates Pari Khanda moves and techniques.

Kathi Samu

Kathi Samu is an ancient Indian martial style that originated in Andhra Pradesh and was utilised by masters of the state’s royal forces. Sword Fig. is another name for martial art.

Inbuan Wrestling

In Mizoram, it is a form of unarmed wrestling. Kicking, stepping out of the circle, and bending the knees are prohibited.

Cheibi Gadga

In Manipur, sword and shield-based martial art are practised. Victory is determined by skill rather than sheer power.

Sarit-Sarak

It is a Manipurese unarmed martial technique. When fighting an armed or unarmed opponent, this weapon is used. Its mysterious and attacking behaviour is flawless.

Thoda 

It’s a Himachal Pradesh based martial art. It dates back to the Mahabharata era and is centred on archery skills. The spherical piece of wood attached to the arrow’s head is known as “Thoda.”

Mukna

It is Manipur’s unarmed wrestling style. Two men grapple with each other while clutching fabric bands around their waists, attempting to throw the other down, and the victor should always be on top of the one falling.

Conclusion

The majority of ancient civilisations possessed a well-trained and disciplined militia. Martial arts knowledge was essential for the preservation and security of local traditions. India, too, had a variety of martial arts, many of which have survived the test of time.