The Forgotten Warriors: Unveiling the Legacy of Indian Martial Arts

Indian martial arts, or yudda kalas, are ancient combat systems rooted in Indian mythology and spirituality, such as Dhanurveda from the Vedas and Kalaripayattu from the Sangam era. Forms like Malla Yudha, Gatka, and Mardani Khel shaped global sports and warfare. Suppressed during colonial rule, they survived through underground practice and artistic forms like Chhau and Kathakali. Today, reviving these traditions could foster self-discipline, self-defence, and cultural pride, ensuring their continued relevance and legacy.

Indian martial arts, or yudda kalas, are an extraordinary yet historically underappreciated tapestry of the nation's cultural heritage. These ancient combat systems, shaped over millennia, are rooted in Indian mythology and spiritual traditions, with traces found in the Mahabharata, the Vedas, and the Puranas. Among them, Dhanurveda — the “science of archery” described in the Yajurveda — stands out as a holistic discipline that transcended mere physical combat to encompass mental and spiritual growth. Practices like meditation, as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (circa 3rd century BCE), and intricate hand gestures from Yogacara Buddhism, infused these martial techniques with a profound depth.

One of the oldest known forms, Malla Yudha, emerged from the Tamil region of South India as a precursor to modern wrestling styles like Kushti. Its influence extended far beyond India, finding echoes in global combat sports. Similarly, some historical accounts credit Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk believed to hail from the Pallava dynasty, with sowing the seeds of Kung fu in China. The Yijin Jing (Muscle Change Classic), published in 1624, chronicles this legacy, suggesting that Chinese martial arts may have been partly shaped by Kalaripayattu, an Indian martial art that flourished during the Sangam period (3rd century BCE–2nd century CE).

Another fascinating tradition is Mushti Yudha, an ancient form of bare-knuckle combat that served as a forerunner to striking arts like Muay Thai, Lethwei, and even modern boxing. Meanwhile, the Sikh martial art Gatka, involving wooden swords called soti, gained prominence during the 16th and 17th centuries. The valiant Nihang warriors continue to uphold its legacy. Similarly, the Marathas cultivated Mardani Khel, a battlefield art requiring mastery of swords, spears, and other weapons, making them a formidable military force.

The trajectory of Indian martial arts took a sharp turn during British colonial rule. The advent of firearms and European military strategies rendered traditional combat styles obsolete, leading to the suppression and even banning of practices like Kalaripayattu, Silambam, and Thang-ta. Many of these arts were driven underground, only to resurface during the early 20th century as symbols of resistance in the anti-colonial movement. Some communities adapted by integrating their martial heritage into colonial frameworks; for instance, Sikh warriors retained elements of their combat traditions through British military recruitment and sports like Loh Musti (iron-fist boxing).

Remarkably, Indian martial arts also found sanctuary in artistic expression. Techniques from Pari-khanda, a sword-and-shield style from Bihar, were woven into the dance form Chhau. Likewise, Kerala’s Kalaripayattu left its imprint on traditional performances like Kathakali and Theyyam, ensuring that these martial traditions endured in creative formats.

Far from being relics of antiquity, Indian martial arts remain a dynamic facet of the nation's identity. Their revival and integration into modern life could foster discipline, self-defence skills, and cultural pride, while dismantling stereotypes about India’s ancient traditions. Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, the nation will produce more leaders who excel not only in the boardroom but also in the metaphorical and literal arenas of life.