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Art & CultureFree till Sep 9

Indian Martial Arts: Forms and Geographical Distribution

July 19, 2026

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: Art & Culture | Topic: Performing Arts & Physical Culture Sub-topic: Indigenous Martial Arts, Regional Styles, Recognition by Ministry Prelims Focus: Names and states of origin of major martial arts Mains Focus: Decline and revival, government schemes, cultural significance

EXAMINER REASONING

UPSC has asked about specific martial arts forms in both Prelims (match-the-pair) and Mains (essay on "Culture as identity"). The purpose is to test awareness of India's intangible cultural heritage beyond classical dance and music, and to evaluate the role of government schemes (Khelo India), GI registration, and inclusion in school curriculum.

Core Concept

Indian martial arts encompass a wide range of fighting traditions rooted in regional history, religion, and folklore. They are classified as armed (sword, staff, spear) and unarmed (grappling, strikes). Many declined under British rule (Arms Act 1878) but are witnessing revival through cultural tourism, cinema, and sports policy.

Major Indian Martial Arts by Region

Martial ArtState/U.T.TypeKey Feature
KalaripayattuKeralaArmed + UnarmedOldest; animal poses; meyppayattu (body exercises)
SilambamTamil NaduArmed (staff)Bamboo staff fighting
Thang-TaManipurArmed + UnarmedSword & spear; ritualised
Huyen Langlon

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Manipur
Armed + Unarmed
Related to Thang-Ta; includes unarmed combat
GatkaPunjabArmedSikh martial art; kirpan, stick, shield
Mardani KhelMaharashtraArmed (sword)Guerrilla-style; used by Maratha forces
Lathi KhelaWest BengalArmed (stick)Traditional stick fighting; festivals
Pari-KhandaBiharArmed (sword + shield)Basis for Chhau dance
Kuttu VarisaiTamil NaduUnarmedStriking + grappling; related to Silambam
InbuanMizoramUnarmedWrestling; catches opponent's belt
MalyuthamTamil NaduUnarmedAncient wrestling tradition
Musti YuddhaVaranasiUnarmedFist combat; roots in Vedic era
SqayJ&KArmedSword + shield; Persian influence

Key Facts

  • Kalaripayattu: Believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in the world (3000+ years). Origin from Parasurama legend. Training includes meypayattu (body conditioning), kolthari (wooden weapons), angathari (metal weapons), and verum kai (bare-handed).
  • Silambam: Mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature (circa 2nd c. BCE). The staff length equals the fighter's forehead height.
  • Gatka: Associated with Sikh festivals (Hola Mohalla, Nagar Kirtan). Uses faran (shield) and kirpan or stick.
  • Thang-Ta: Thang = sword, Ta = spear. Included in Manipur's Lai Haraoba festival.
  • Mardani Khel: Used by Chhatrapati Shivaji's forces; emphasises dagger (patta) and sword (khanj).
  • Pari-Khanda: Literally "shield-sword"; movements incorporated into Seraikella Chhau dance.
  • Sqay: Promoted by J&K Sports Council; designated as 'Traditional Sport' by Ministry.
  • Huyen Langlon: Unarmed combat (Langlon) combined with Thang-Ta. Fought with bare hands, kicks, and grappling.

PYQ Table

YearQuestionMarks
2022"The martial traditions of India reflect the cultural diversity of the country." Analyse.15
2020Which of the following martial arts is associated with Manipur? (Prelims)2
2018Distinguish between Kalaripayattu and Silambam.10
2015Explain the role of traditional Indian martial arts in nation-building.8
2013Match the following martial arts with states: Gatka, Mardani Khel, Thang-Ta, Kalari2

Statement Elimination Guide

  1. "Kalaripayattu is the only Indian martial art that uses weapons." → False. Gatka, Silambam, Thang-Ta, Lathi Khela all use weapons.
  2. "All Indian martial arts originated in South India." → False. Gatka (Punjab), Mardani Khel (Maharashtra), Lathi Khela (Bengal) are from the North and East.
  3. "Gatka is recognised as an Olympic sport by the Indian Olympic Association." → False. Kalaripayattu and Gatka are recognised as traditional sports but not yet Olympic disciplines.
  4. "Martial arts are entirely secular traditions with no religious connection." → False. Many are tied to religious festivals (Gatka → Hola Mohalla, Thang-Ta → Lai Haraoba).

Current Affairs Hook

  • 2025: Ministry of Youth Affairs declares Kalaripayattu as 'Priority Traditional Sport' under Khelo India.
  • 2024: Silambam performed at Republic Day Parade tableaux (Tamil Nadu).
  • 2023: Gatka included in Khelo India Youth Games for the first time.
  • 2022: National Institute of Kalaripayattu set up in Kerala with ₹10 crore grant.
  • 2021: UNESCO intangible cultural heritage nomination for Kalaripayattu under consideration.

Interlinkages

  • Dance forms: Pari-Khanda movements → Chhau dance; Kalaripayattu → Kathakali (body training).
  • Health policy: Kalaripayattu for physical fitness recognised by AYUSH Ministry.
  • Defence: Indian Army's martial arts training incorporates Kalaripayattu for hand-to-hand combat.
  • Tourism: Kerala Tourism promotes Kalaripayattu centres; Punjab promotes Gatka at Golden Temple.
  • GI: GI tag for "Salem Silambam" (bamboo staff) under process.

Common Mistakes

  • Claiming Kalaripayattu is from Tamil Nadu (it's from Kerala).
  • Forgetting that Manipur has two traditions: Thang-Ta and Huyen Langlon (similar but distinct).
  • Mixing up Silambam (staff, Tamil Nadu) with Kalaripayattu (multi-weapon, Kerala).
  • Saying martial arts are 'dead' — they're revived through sports policy.
  • Assuming Thang-Ta is only armed (it includes unarmed Langlon).

Revision Snapshot

Martial ArtStateWeapon
KalaripayattuKeralaAll types
SilambamTamil NaduBamboo staff
GatkaPunjabKirpan, stick
Thang-TaManipurSword, spear
Mardani KhelMaharashtraDagger, sword
Pari-KhandaBiharSword, shield
Lathi KhelaW. BengalStick
SqayJ&KSword, shield

Source Notes

  • NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art
  • Ministry of Culture – Intangible Cultural Heritage inventory
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi reports
  • Khelo India – Scheme Guidelines (MoYA)
  • "Martial Traditions of India" – Dr B.A. Pawar
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi – Annual Report