India has historically been a martial country and Indians a
martial race. It was during the conquests of India by the Mughals and the
Britishers that the innate Indian spirit
for adventure and manly sports was doused as the colonisers did not want an
assertive colonised polity. It is in this light that Honble PM Modiji has done
the right thing by clearing an ordinance on Jallikattu (bull taming sport
popular in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu). The state had witnessed a week-long
protest to lift the ban on the sport considered a symbol of Tamil pride. Taking
the cue from Jallikattu, Karnataka too wants the ban lifted on Kambala (buffalo
race).
Why are traditional adventure sports and martial arts so
very important for a country and its people. Participating in adventure sports and
martial arts symbolises the grit, courage, sportsman spirit, physical fitness
and mental toughness, mass participation which is good for the development of
the youth and instill in them a fighting spirit and a sense of camaraderie and community
togetherness. These adventure sports and martial arts are held in an atmosphere
of festivities and are thus also instrumental in keeping the native customs
alive. The Indian Union and the state governments must do everything within
their powers to rejuvenate and resuscitate India’s traditional adventure sports
and martial arts and bring them in the mainstream of India’s rural and urban
life.
Here we look at some of India’s traditional adventure sports
and martial arts:
Kho-Kho is one of
the most popular traditional sports in India. Kho Kho is a ‘run and touch’ game
that is very simple to play and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Kushti is a form
of Indian wrestling and is the best sport to play and maintain the physic. It
needs to be followed with some set rules and it takes training to become a
wrestler.
Mallakhamb is a
traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs poses and feats while
hanging from a vertical wooden pole or rope.
Vallamkali, the
snake boat race, is from Kerala. It is an interesting traditional game held on
the occasion of Onam.
Jallikattu is one
of the oldest living ancient sports seen in the modern era. The ancient sport
of Jallikattu pits crowds of brave young men against angry bulls.
Camel racing in
Pushkar is one of the major attractions for tourist in Rajasthan. Camels are
very important part of desert life, These camels are decorated beautifully at
the time of race.
Archery is one of
the most ancient sports which originated in India. This is the favorite pastime
or sport of the people of Manipur, It’s an everyday activity of the state
dwellers.
8 Different Forms of
Martial Arts in India
Kalarippayattu is
a famous Indian martial art from Kerala and is one of the oldest fighting
systems in existence. It is practiced in most of the parts of south India. A
kalari is the school or training hall where martial arts are taught.
Silambam is a
weapon-based Indian martial art from Tamil Nadu. Every states has it own style
of martial arts. Silambam art also uses animal movements of snake, tiger, eagle
forms and footwork patterns.
Gatka is a weapon-based
Indian martial art basically created by the Sikhs of Punjab. There are many
weapons used in Gatka like, stick, talwar, kirpan and kataar. The attacking and
defense methods are based upon the positions of the hands, feet and nature of
weapons used.
Musti Yuddha is an
unarmed martial art from the oldest city of India “Varanasi“. Technique used in
this martial arts are punches, kicks, knees and elbow strikes. This style is a
complete art of physical, mental and spiritual development.
Thang Ta is
popular term for the ancient Manipuri Martial Art also known as HUYEN LALLONG.
Manipuri martial arts with swords and spears, is a strong yet gracefully
sophisticated art.
Lathi is an
ancient armed martial art of India. It also refers to one of the world’s oldest
weapons used in martial arts. Lathi or stick martial arts is widely practiced
in Punjab and Bengal regions of India.
Mardani Khel is
an armed method of martial art created by the Marathas. This traditional
martial art of Maharashtra is practiced in kolhapur.
Pari-khandaa is a
style of sword and shield fighting from Bihar. This art is created by the Rajputs.
Pari-khanda steps and techniques are also used in Chau dance.
Kathi Samu is
very old Indian martial art which originated in Andhra Pradesh and was used by the
royal armies of Andhra Pradesh. The martial art is also known as Sword Fight or
Daal Fariya.
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