History · Art and Culture
India's diverse martial arts traditions span armed and unarmed combat forms across regions, closely linked to dance, yoga, religion, and performing arts. Several were banned under British rule and revived post-independence. Each form carries distinct regional identity, techniques, and cultural significance.
India's martial arts ('arts associated with the waging of war') evolved from ancient warfare practices into forms used today for self-defence, physical fitness, ritual, and performance. Many are closely linked to dance, yoga, and performing arts. Kalaripayattu and Silambam were banned during British rule and revived post-independence.
| Art | Region | Key Weapon(s) | Distinctive Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalaripayattu | Kerala (orig.) / South India | Metal weapons, Otta stick | Oldest martial art; footwork is key |
| Silambam | Tamil Nadu | Bamboo staff (stave) | Staff fencing; 4 types of staves |
| Thang-ta | Manipur (Meitei) | Sword (Thang) + Spear (Ta) | Linked to tantric practices |
| Cheibi Gad-ga | Manipur | Leather-encased stick + shield | Contest in 7m diameter circle |
| Pari-khanda | Bihar (Rajput-created) | Sword + Shield | Basis of Chhau dance |
| Gatka | Punjab (Sikhs) | Stick, Kirpan, Talwar, Kataar | Displayed at Sikh festivals |
| Mardani Khel | Maharashtra (Kolhapur) | Pata (sword), Vita (corded lance) | Low stances suited to hill terrain |
| Lathi | Punjab & Bengal | Cane stick (6–8 ft) | World's oldest weapon; police use |
| Sqay | Kashmir | Sword + Shield | — |
| Kathi Samu | Andhra Pradesh | — | Ancient royal army skill |
| Thoda | Himachal Pradesh | Bow & Arrow | Archery-based; held during Baisakhi |
| Art | Region | Technique | Key Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarit Sarak | Manipur | Hand-to-hand combat | Paired with Thang-ta; together = Huyen Langlon |
| Kuttu Varisai | Tamil Nadu / Sri Lanka | Grappling, striking, locking | Unarmed component of Silambam |
| Musti Yuddha | Varanasi | Kicks, punches, knee/elbow strikes | Boxing-like; 4 fight categories |
| Inbuan Wrestling | Mizoram | Lifting opponent off feet | Genesis: 1750 AD, Dungtlang village |
| Bandesh | India | Lock holds vs. armed opponent | Does not kill opponent |
| Malla Yuddha | South India | Combat wrestling | Related to SE Asian Naban wrestling |
| Art | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paika Akhadha | Odisha | Dance + combat; now a performing art |
| Varma Ati | Tamil Nadu | Attacks on body's vital spots |
| Malla Yuddha | South India | Combat wrestling; practitioners: Siddhartha Gautama, Krishna Deva Raya |
| Malla Khamb | Maharashtra (12th c.) | Pole + rope; requires concentration |
| Insu Knawr | Mizoram | Round wooden rod game in circle |
| Kirip/Saldu | Nicobar | Nicobarese wrestling |
| Kathi Samu | Andhra Pradesh | Ancient royal army skill |
| Bandesh | India | Unarmed lock holds vs. armed opponent |
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This chapter covers Introduction & Context, Classification: Armed vs. Unarmed, Key Art Forms: Detailed Features, Other Notable Martial Arts (Quick Reference), Technical Terms / Key Vocabulary. It is organized as revision-ready notes followed by a linked practice quiz.
For Fighting Traditions: Kalaripayattu, Silambam, and India's Indigenous Combat Arts, focus on definitions, dates, places, institutions, distinguishing features, and factual comparisons in the chapter. Then use the quiz to check recall and identify gaps.
Use the Fighting Traditions: Kalaripayattu, Silambam, and India's Indigenous Combat Arts chapter headings to organize an answer framework. Connect causes, consequences, comparisons, examples, and evidence wherever the notes provide them instead of memorizing isolated facts.