Guruthara: Inheritance of Indian Martial Arts

Abstract

Martial arts is a product of deep socio-cultural transformation. Its origin story goes backward to the pre-historic times where certain people strengthened their fighting instincts to safe guard there people from potential threat and as we started building settlements during agricultural revolution around 10000 BC, the system of fighting progressed. In Ancient and medieval times in India, Martial arts was a fundamental art to study and practiced by many classes of community and it became an indispensable part of the culture but with time got subjugated by foreign powers that controlled India then. Now, with globalization and increased outreach, traditional martial art systems have shown a sign of coming back to life again. These martial arts have codified systems to grasp and require precise guidance.

General population, through media influence, associates martial arts with sports, physical strength and entertainment. Instead of perceiving martial arts as a discipline, an art and technological tool to enhance your physiological, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. These codified systems of the East were a school of thoughts to build up the way of life of an individual. ‘Sishaya’ (disciple) commit himself to the ‘Guru’ (teacher) who teaches him how to align himself with the metaphysical nature of the universe.

Martial arts in India does not simply communicate about combats strategies or wisdom of warfare. They too deal with medicinal Ayurveda treatments and spiritual healing. Many ancient texts reveal about the healing technique of ‘Marmas’, ‘Ayurveda’, and ‘Vayayamas’ that can cure physical injuries and stress-related illnesses. We must have a structure in place, which ensures the preservation of such intangible heritages of our history. This study has determined ‘Kalarippayattu’ martial art to demonstrate the idea of constructive approach we need to go after to utilize our heritage to a maximum output for the welfare of our modern society. ‘Kalarippayattu’ is one of those ancient codified systems, which have a strong philosophy, curriculum and a great account of transformation. Many martial arts have its roots connected to ‘Kalarippayattu’, which further influenced numerous other martial arts, performing arts, Crafts, and remedies. These practices serve as a hidden window into the India’s ancient past.