Art & Culture

India's Martial Arts

Martial arts are a traditional game and part of India's ancient culture.

Originally a traditional style of martial art that originated in South India, it today exists under several names and in various forms in the cultures of India's various regions. Khusti Indian Wrestling is a form of Indian Martial Arts that may be found all across India. The evolution of modern Asian martial arts has been influenced by Indian martial arts. Martial arts are becoming increasingly popular as a means of self-defense and fitness. Indian martial arts, like other aspects of Indian culture, can be separated into northern and southern styles.

You only need to know the name and the state name in this case. There is no need to memorize the UPSC description.

1. Kalarippayattu (especially Kerala) and the rest of the south

• "Kalari" is a weapon-based type that means "arena."
• "Payattu" is a Tamil word that means "to battle."
• Strikes, kicks, grappling, pre-determined forms, weaponry, and healing treatments are all part of the footwork action.
• Kerala's "Kathakali" makes extensive use of this in their daily rituals.
• It is thought to be older than Chinese martial arts.

2. Malla-Yuddha (Malla-Yuddha) (South India)

Type of combat-wrestling.

• The type who is unarmed.
• There are four distinct types:
• Silambam is number three (Tamil Nadu)
• Type based on weapons
• As a weapon, he primarily employed the "Silambam stick." (A typical pole weapon is the staff.) It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from a stick to a knife at one end.)
• The importance of foot motions cannot be overstated.
• Snake, tiger, elephant, and eagle movements were utilised.

Gatka is number four (Punjab) Based on weapons

• Gatka is a Sikh term that means "one whose freedom belongs to race."
• Weapons include a stick, sword, kirpan, or kataar.

3 Yuddha Musti (Varanasi)

kind who is unarmed - Punches, kicks, knees, and elbow strikes were employed a total of six times (Manipur)

Based on Weapons

• The term "thang" means "sword." The word "ta" signifies "spear."
• You can use anything from a sword to a spear.
• Shield and axe are also employed as weapons.

4. Punjabi and Bengali Lathi

Cane Sticks were employed as a weapon.
Mardani Khel (Kolhapur, Maharashtra) is more popular among rural.

Marathas created a weapon-based system.
Mostly uses a sword and requires quick moves.

5. Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha (Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha)

Based on Weapons
Rajputs designed it.
"Pari" denotes a shield, whereas "Khanda" denotes a sword (according to Chhau rulers)
Chhau dance was born as a result of this.

6. Wrestling in Inbuan (Mizoram)

Type without a weapon
Kicking, stepping out of the circle, and bending the knees are all prohibited.
The goal is to knock the opponent off his feet while strictly following the regulations.
Keeping a firm grip on the wrestlers' waist belt, which must remain tight during the game.
Kuttu Varisai (No. 11) (South India)

Type without a weapon
"Kuttu Varisai" means "empty hand fighting" and refers to the usage of animal-based sets to develop footwork and agility through gymnastics, stretching, yoga, and breathing exercises. Animal-based sets include tiger, snake, elephant, eagle, and monkey.

7. Gadga Cheibi (Manipur)

Sword and shield are used as weapons.
Victory is determined by skill rather than sheer power.
Sarit-Sarak (nineteenth) (Manipur)

Used to combat against armed or unarmed opponents, the unarmed type excels at evasive and attacking maneuvers.
Thoda (Himachal Pradesh) is number fourteen.

Based on Weapons
It dates back to the Mahabharata era.
The spherical chunk of wood attached to the head of the arrow 15 is called "Thoda" (Manipur)

8. Unarmed Wrestling Lakna-Phanaba is a place in Lakna-Phanaba (Manipur)

9. Unarmed Wrestling

Andhra Pradesh's Karra Samu

Stick fighting is the most common armed type.

Andhra Pradesh's Kathi Samu

Armed Individual
Sword fighting is essentially what it is.