Table of Contents
- Is yoga the only known physical form of exercise or practice that existed in India?
- Varma Kalai
- Kalaripayattu
- Gatka
- Silambam
- Malla Yuddha
- Mardani Khel
- Thang Ta
- Other Martial arts
Is yoga the only known physical form of exercise or practice that existed in India?
Yoga is not the only physical form of exercise or practice that existed in India. India has a long history of physical practices and exercises that were used to stay in shape and maintain physical fitness.
These physical practices were not limited to the military and were often practiced by ordinary people as well. They were seen as important for maintaining physical health and fitness, as well as for spiritual and mental well-being.
There is an ancient history of martial arts and training with and without weapons, and when weapons were used there were so many and these were not just referred to as a form of martial art, but as a science in the ancient scriptures.
Let us look at just some of the most well known ones:
Silambam, Thang Ta, Gatka, Mardani Khel and Kalaripayattu
Varma Kalai
Varma Kalai is a traditional Indian martial art that is primarily focused on vital points of the human body, known as “varma points”.
The word “varma” means “hidden” or “secret” in Tamil, and the art is believed to have originated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where it is still practiced today.
According to legend, Varma Kalai was developed thousands of years ago by the sage Agastya, who is also credited with many other contributions to Tamil culture and tradition, but the true origins of the art are not well documented.
Varma Kalai is known for its emphasis on targeting specific varma points on the body, which are believed to be centers of energy and life force.
By striking or manipulating these points, practitioners of Varma Kalai can theoretically control their opponent’s movements, knock them unconscious, or even kill them.
In addition to its martial applications, Varma Kalai also includes a range of healing techniques, including massage, herbal medicine, and yoga.
Many practitioners of the art believe that the manipulation of varma points can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.
While Varma Kalai is primarily associated with Tamil Nadu, similar practices can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia.
For example, in Thailand, the martial art of Muay Boran includes techniques for striking vital points on the body, and in China, the art of Dim Mak focuses on attacking pressure points to disable or incapacitate an opponent.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art form that originated in the Indian state of Kerala.
It is considered one of the oldest martial arts in the world, with a history that can be traced back over 3,000 years.
The name “Kalaripayattu” is derived from the Malayalam words “kalari” (which means “training hall”) and “payattu” (which means “exercise” or “practice”).
According to legend, Kalaripayattu was created by the sage Parashurama, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Parashurama is said to have created the art as a means of teaching self-defense to the scholars, yogis and sanyasis (hindu monks), who usually do not carry weapons.
Kalaripayattu is known for its fluid, acrobatic movements, which are designed to improve agility, flexibility, and balance. The art incorporates a wide range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, grappling, and weapons training. Some of the weapons used in Kalaripayattu include the sword, shield, spear, and bow and arrow.
Here is a cool sword fight using this technique in a Jackie Chan movie – The Myth.
In addition to its martial applications, Kalaripayattu also includes a range of healing techniques, such as massage and herbal medicine. The art emphasizes the importance of developing a strong mind-body connection, and practitioners are encouraged to focus on breathing, meditation, and mental discipline.
Similar martial arts can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia, such as Silambam in Tamil Nadu and Muay Thai in Thailand. However, Kalaripayattu is considered unique for its combination of physical and spiritual training, as well as its focus on the principles of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.
Kalaripayattu, in particular, has had a significant influence on the development of other martial arts around the world, including karate, kung fu, and capoeira. The movements and techniques of Kalaripayattu have been incorporated into these martial arts, and many practitioners of these arts recognize the influence of Kalaripayattu on their practices.
The origins of Kalaripayattu can be traced back to ancient India, where it was primarily used as a form of combat training for soldiers. Over time, it evolved into a more holistic practice that included physical, mental, and spiritual training. The transfer of Kalaripayattu to other martial arts around the world is believed to have been influenced by the travels of Indian monks and traders, who spread the practice to other countries.
Gatka
Gatka is a traditional martial art form that originated in the Punjab region of India, which includes parts of present-day India and Pakistan. The art is primarily associated with the Sikh community, and it is considered an important part of Sikh culture and heritage.
Gatka is a weapon-based martial art, with a focus on swordsmanship and stick fighting. The art incorporates a wide range of weapons, including swords, spears, shields, and daggers, as well as empty-hand techniques.
The origins of Gatka can be traced back to the time of the Sikh gurus, who encouraged the practice of martial arts among their followers. According to legend, the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, was a skilled warrior who developed many of the techniques used in Gatka. The art was also used by the Sikhs as a means of defending themselves against the Mughal Empire, which ruled over much of India at the time.
Today, Gatka is primarily practiced as a cultural and spiritual tradition, rather than as a means of self-defense. It is often performed at Sikh festivals and other cultural events, and it is considered an important part of Sikh identity.
Similar martial arts can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia, such as Kalaripayattu in Kerala and Silambam in Tamil Nadu. However, Gatka is considered unique for its emphasis on the values of the Sikh faith, such as humility, courage, and self-discipline, and for its incorporation of traditional Punjabi music and dance into the practice.
Silambam
Silambam is a traditional Indian martial art form that originated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The art is primarily focused on the use of a long bamboo staff, called a silambam, but it also incorporates a range of empty-hand techniques and other weapons.
The history of Silambam can be traced back over 2,000 years, and it is believed to have been developed by the Tamil people as a means of self-defense and hunting.
The art was also used by the Tamil kings as a means of training their soldiers, and it was an important part of Tamil culture and tradition.
Silambam is known for its fluid, flowing movements, which are designed to improve balance, coordination, and agility. The art incorporates a wide range of techniques, including strikes, blocks, throws, and joint locks, and it places a strong emphasis on footwork and timing.
In addition to its martial applications, Silambam also includes a range of healing techniques, such as massage and herbal medicine. The art emphasizes the importance of developing a strong mind-body connection, and practitioners are encouraged to focus on breathing, meditation, and mental discipline.
Similar martial arts can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia, such as Kalaripayattu in Kerala and Arnis in the Philippines. However, Silambam is considered unique for its emphasis on the use of the staff as a primary weapon, as well as its incorporation of traditional Tamil music and dance into the practice.
Malla Yuddha
Malla-yuddha, also known as Mallakamba, is a traditional form of Indian wrestling that originated in Karnataka, a state in southern India. It is a centuries-old martial art that has been practiced in India for generations, and it remains popular in some parts of the country today.
Malla-yuddha involves the use of a wooden pole or rope, which the wrestler uses to perform various acrobatic moves and holds. The goal of the sport is to pin down one’s opponent, using a combination of strength, technique, and strategy. The sport can be performed individually or in teams, and competitions are typically held in arenas or open spaces.
Historically, Malla-yuddha was a popular form of combat training among warriors and soldiers in ancient India. It was considered an important skill for defending oneself and one’s community, and it was often incorporated into military training programs. Over time, Malla-yuddha became more of a recreational sport, and it is now primarily practiced for entertainment and cultural reasons.
There are similar forms of wrestling and martial arts that exist in other parts of the world, such as Sumo wrestling in Japan, Pehlwani in Pakistan, and Shuai Jiao in China. While the techniques and rules may differ, these practices all share a common focus on grappling, throwing, and pinning down one’s opponent, making them similar in some ways to Malla-yuddha.
Mardani Khel
The martial art from Maharashtra that was popularized by the Maratha Empire is called “Mardani Khel”.
It is a traditional Indian martial art form that originated in the province of Sindh (now part of Pakistan) and was later adopted and developed by the Maratha warriors.
Mardani Khel emphasizes physical fitness, agility, and strength training, as well as weapon-based combat. It is said to be based on the movements and behavior of various animals, such as the lion, tiger, snake, and peacock, and incorporates a variety of weapons including swords, shields, daggers, and spears.
The Maratha Empire, which ruled over large parts of present-day India in the 17th and 18th centuries, was known for its military prowess and use of Mardani Khel in battle. The Maratha warrior-king Shivaji is said to have been a skilled practitioner of the martial art, and he used it to great effect in his battles against the Mughal Empire.
Today, efforts are being made to revive and promote Mardani Khel as a cultural and martial heritage of Maharashtra. While it is not as well-known or widely practiced as some other Indian martial arts, Mardani Khel remains an important part of the martial history and traditions of Maharashtra and the Maratha people.
Thang Ta
Thang Ta, also known as Huyen lallong, is a martial art form that originated in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. It is a combination of two different martial art forms – Thang Ta (sword and spear) and Sarit Sarak (hand to hand combat).
Thang Ta involves the use of swords and spears, and Sarit Sarak is focused on unarmed combat. Together, they form a comprehensive system of self-defense that emphasizes fluidity, grace, and speed.
The history of Thang Ta dates back to the ancient times when the people of Manipur used these techniques to defend themselves against neighboring tribes and other threats. It was also used by Manipuri kings and warriors during battles and conflicts.
Today, Thang Ta is primarily practiced as a form of cultural preservation and is performed during festivals and other celebrations in Manipur. It has also gained popularity as a form of physical exercise and self-defense in other parts of India and around the world.
While Thang Ta is a unique martial art form, there are some similarities with other martial arts in Southeast Asia, such as Silat from Indonesia, Kali from the Philippines, and Muay Boran from Thailand. These martial arts share some similar techniques and philosophies, including an emphasis on fluid movement, weapon-based combat, and close-range fighting.
Other Martial arts
Other traditional martial arts & practices in the Indian subcontinent that have either been lost or are not widely practiced anymore.
Huyen langlon
Huyen langlon is a traditional martial art from Assam that shares many similarities with Thang Ta. It combines unarmed combat with the use of weapons, including swords, spears, and sticks.
Mukna
Mukna is a traditional form of wrestling from Assam that incorporates elements of striking and grappling. It is believed to have originated over 500 years ago and was traditionally practiced by men from the Meitei community.
Buroi chikhong
Buroi chikhong is a traditional stick fighting style from Assam that involves the use of a long bamboo stick. It is primarily practiced by the Karbi and Dimasa communities and is often performed during festivals and other celebrations.
Lathi khela
Lathi khela, which is also practiced in other parts of the Indian subcontinent, is a traditional martial art that involves the use of a long bamboo stick.
Ghatta kala
Ghatta kala was a traditional martial art from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh that was practiced primarily by the Jat community. It involved the use of a short stick and a small shield and incorporated a range of techniques, including striking, blocking, and joint locks.
Marma Adi
Marma Adi is a martial art from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu that incorporates elements of Kalaripayattu and Varma Kalai. It focuses on the use of pressure points and joint locks and emphasizes the importance of meditation and internal energy.
Adimurai
Adimurai is a traditional martial art form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is believed to be used since over 2,000 years.
Adimurai is a combination of various techniques such as hand-to-hand combat, grappling, weapons training, and other self-defense techniques. Adimurai is similar in some ways to other Indian martial arts such as Kalaripayattu and Silambam, but it also has unique features that distinguish it from these other styles. Adimurai was traditionally practiced by the warrior class in Tamil Nadu, and was used to defend against invading armies and other threats.
Cheruvadi
Cheruvadi is a martial art from the southern Indian state of Kerala that is similar to Kalaripayattu but places more emphasis on weapon-based combat.
Nati
Nati is a martial art from the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh that incorporates elements of Kalaripayattu and is primarily focused on unarmed combat and self-defense.
Kusti
Kusti, also known as Indian wrestling, is a traditional form of wrestling that is popular in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It involves grappling and submission holds, and is typically performed on a dirt surface.
These traditional martial arts practices continue to be an important part of India’s cultural heritage and history. While they may not be as well-known as some of the more popular martial arts practices from other parts of India and the region, they did exist – and sadly not all of them are practiced anymore.