postPublished Dec 29, 2025
Indian Martial Arts – Complete Static GK for Government Exams
Indian martial arts are ancient combat traditions rooted in self-defence, warfare, fitness, and cultural identity. They are a frequently asked Static GK topic in UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams, especially under Art & Culture and General Awareness.
1. Introduction
Indian martial arts are traditional fighting systems developed across different regions of India for:
- Self-defence
- Warfare training
- Physical fitness
- Spiritual discipline
- Cultural and ritual performance
Exam Importance
Questions from Indian martial arts are commonly asked in:
- UPSC (Prelims & Mains – Art & Culture)
- SSC CGL, CHSL, GD
- Banking & Insurance exams
- Railways (RRB)
- Defence exams (NDA, CDS)
- State PSC exams
They are often tested through:
- Match the following
- One-liners
- State–art associations
2. Detailed Explanation
What are Indian Martial Arts?
Indian martial arts are indigenous combat systems involving:
- Weapon-based fighting
- Unarmed combat
- Wrestling traditions
- Gymnastic and pressure-point techniques
They reflect regional geography, history, and warrior traditions.
Major Indian Martial Arts – State-wise Table
| Martial Art | State / Region | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kalaripayattu | Kerala | Oldest martial art; weapons + unarmed combat; Kalari arena |
| Silambam | Tamil Nadu | Bamboo stick fighting; Sangam-era origin |
| Gatka | Punjab | Sikh martial art; sword, kirpan, stick |
| Thang-Ta | Manipur | Sword (Thang) & spear (Ta); dance-like movements |
| Lathi Khela | UP, Bihar, Bengal | Long stick fighting |
| Mardani Khel | Maharashtra | Maratha weapon art |
| Pari Khanda | Bihar | Sword & shield; influenced Chhau dance |
| Kathi Samu | Andhra Pradesh | Staff & sword martial art |
| Paika Akhada | Odisha | Paika warrior tradition |
| Sqay | Kashmir | Sword & shield combat |
| Malla Yuddha | Ancient India | Classical wrestling |
| Mallakhamb | Maharashtra, MP | Pole & rope gymnastics |
| Inbuan Wrestling | Mizoram | Grip-based wrestling |
| Varma Kalai | TN–Kerala belt | Pressure-point combat |
Important Martial Arts – Brief Notes
Kalaripayattu (Kerala)
- Considered one of the world’s oldest martial arts
- Includes:
- Body conditioning
- Flexibility & acrobatics
- Weapon training (sword, spear, dagger)
- Unarmed combat (Verumkai)
- Practised in a sunken arena called Kalari
- Strong spiritual & healing component
Silambam (Tamil Nadu)
- Stick-based martial art using bamboo staff
- Focuses on:
- Footwork
- Spinning & blocking
- Weapon extensions (sword, shield, deer-horn dagger)
- Mentioned in Sangam literature
- Recognised as a modern sport
Gatka (Punjab – Sikh Tradition)
- Developed during Mughal period
- Associated with Guru Hargobind
- Weapons include:
- Stick (sword representation)
- Kirpan, talwar, spear, kataar
- Emphasises timing, balance, discipline
Thang-Ta (Manipur)
- Traditional Meitei martial art
- Combines:
- Sword (Thang)
- Spear (Ta)
- Unarmed combat
- Performed both as martial discipline and stage art
Mardani Khel & Lathi Khela
- Mardani Khel:
- Maratha-era weapon art
- Practised by Shivaji’s warriors
- Lathi Khela:
- Long staff combat
- Rural defence & policing tradition
Weapon Classification in Indian Martial Arts
| Category | Examples | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon-based | Silambam, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Mardani Khel | TN, Punjab, Manipur |
| Unarmed combat | Kalaripayattu, Musti Yuddha | Kerala, UP |
| Wrestling forms | Malla Yuddha, Pehlwani, Inbuan | North India, NE |
3. Important Points / Features
- Indian martial arts combine combat + culture + spirituality
- Many evolved from warrior and militia traditions
- Several influenced Indian dance forms (Chhau, Manipuri)
- Frequently asked in Art & Culture static GK
4. Additional Notes
- Paika Akhada is linked to the 1817 Paika Rebellion
- Mallakhamb is more training-oriented than combat-based
- Varma Kalai connects martial arts with traditional medicine
- Kalaripayattu is often asked as the oldest martial art
5. One-Liner Revision Points (Quick Recall)
- Kalaripayattu originates from Kerala
- Silambam is a martial art of Tamil Nadu
- Gatka is practiced by the Sikh community
- Thang-Ta belongs to Manipur
- Mardani Khel is from Maharashtra
- Pehlwani is also called Kusti
- Paika Akhada is linked to Odisha’s Paika rebellion
- Mallakhamb uses pole and rope
- Varma Kalai focuses on pressure points
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the oldest martial art in India?
Kalaripayattu from Kerala.
Silambam is associated with which state?
Tamil Nadu.
Gatka belongs to which community?
Sikh community of Punjab.
Thang-Ta is a martial art of which state?
Manipur
Paika Akhada is related to which rebellion?
1817 Paika Rebellion of Odisha.
Which martial art uses pressure-point attacks?
Varma Kalai.
Mallakhamb is more related to which aspect?
Strength, flexibility, and gymnastics.
Which martial art influenced Chhau dance?
Pari Khanda (Bihar).
