Indian Martial Arts - शस्त्र का शास्त्रा

U/A 7+ • Non Fiction • Shorts

India has a deep cultural heritage full of mythological and historical battles fought for power and supremacy. The Hindus even have Kshatriya warrior clans, who dedicated their entire lives to honing battle skills and fighting wars. Contrary to the popular belief that martial arts originated in China, martial arts have strong roots in Indian history and Hindu mythology. Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk from South India, is even credited to be the first to teach Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple. In 'Shastra Ke Shaastra â€“ The Indian Legacy', delve deep into the roots of the different indigenous weapons that originated in India and continue to be used in various martial arts and performance arts around the country.

Dhop
31 July 2020 | 2 min
A weapon-based Indian martial art, Mardani Khel originated in Maharashtra among the Marathas in the early 1600s. The Marathas were homespun warriors whose martial art was distinctive because of the use of the Pata (sword) and the Vita (corded lance). Mardani Khel rose to prominence under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who relied heavily on the guerrilla tactics of Maratha units. Today, Mardani Khel exists only as a performing art and as a powerful reminder of the Maratha valiance.
Lathi Khel
05 August 2020 | 1 min
Lathi Khel, or Stick Fighting, is an Indian martial art practised all over the country but is particularly popular in Rajasthan. A lathi is an approximately 6-foot-long bamboo stick that has a metal blunt attached to one end, a weapon commonly used by warriors throughout India. Lathis were used by different groups of people for tax collection, controlling crowds, for sport, and as weapons in war.
Kripan – Religious and Ceremonial Blade in Sikhism
31 July 2020 |
A kripan is a religious blade used by Sikhs that generally measures between 3 and 9 inches and is kept in a sheath. It is a weapon that is used commonly in Gatka, a martial art form associated mainly with Sikhs. Kripan is one of the 5 Ks in Sikhism symbolic of God, and it continues to be used in self-defense and combat by many Sikhs even today.