Silambam

Silambam is a weapon-based Indian martial art originating in modern-day Tamil Nadu in the Indian subcontinent. This style is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature 400 BCE.[1]

"Silambattam" redirects here. For the 2008 Indian film, see Silambattam (film).
Silambam
FocusWeapons
Country of originIndia
Creatortraditionally Agastya
Olympic sportNo
Weapons used in Silambam

Origins

References in the Silappadikkaram and other works of Sangam literature shows that silambam has been practiced as far back as the 4th century BC.[2] The bamboo staff - along with swords, pearls and armor - was in great demand with foreign traders.[3][4]

The soldiers of Kings Puli Thevar, Dheeran Chinnamalai had Silambam army named "thadii pattalam", Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Chinna Maruthu and Periya Maruthu (1760–1799) relied mainly on their Silambam prowess in their warfare against the British Army.[3] Indian martial arts suffered a decline after the British colonists banned Silambam along with various other systems. They also introduced modern western military training which favoured fire-arms over traditional weaponry. During this time, Silambam became more common in Southeast Asia than its native India where it was banned by the British rulers.[5]

Maru, Weapon used in Silambam
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Weapons

Silambam's main focus is on the bamboo staff. The length of the staff depends on the height of the practitioner. Ideally, it should just touch the forehead about three fingers from the head, typically measuring around 1.68 metres (five and a half feet). Different lengths may be used depending on the situation. For instance, the sedikuchi or 3-foot stick can be easily concealed. Separate practice is needed for staffs of different lengths. Listed below are some of the weapons used in Silambam.

  • Silambam: staff, preferably made from bamboo, but sometimes also from teak or Indian rose chestnut wood. The staff is immersed in water and strengthened by beating it on the surface of still or running water. It is often tipped with metal rings to prevent the ends from being damaged.
  • Maru: a thrusting weapon made from deer horns
  • Aruval: sickle, often paired
  • Panthukol: staff with balls of fire or weighted chains on each end
  • Savuku: whip
  • Vaal: sword, generally curved
  • Kuttu katai: spiked knuckleduster
  • Katti: knife
  • Kattari: native push-dagger with a H-shaped handle. Some are capable of piercing armor. The blade may be straight or wavy.
  • Surul kaththi: flexible sword
  • Sedikuchi: cudgel or short stick, often wielded as a pair.

Training

The first stages of Silambam practice are meant to provide a foundation for fighting and to condition the body for the training itself. This includes improving flexibility, agility, hand-eye coordination, kinesthetic awareness, balance, strength, speed, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular stamina.[6][7]

World Initiatives

Silambam name has made its historical first time appearance in the world eyes as the committee of United Nations Assembly recommends Silambam Asia for United Nations status for representing Asia Continent. Occasion held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States on January 21, 2019 whereby China-Taipei government representatives arised border conflicts in ancient recording pertaining Silambam and requesting organisation of Silambam Asia to resolve prior to internal committee clearance request. On January 30, 2019 concluded substantive work as the Committee recommended Silambam Asia for Special Status in the United Nations.[8]

In Tamil Films

In quite a number of his movies in 1950s and 1960s, M.G.Ramachandran (MGR) had incorporated silambam fighting scenes, to popularize this ancient martial arts in the 20th century. MGR himself was an exponent on silambam fighting he learned this martial art from Madurai Maadakulam Ravi master. Some of these movies include Thaikkupin Tharam, Periya Idathu Penn, Mugaraasi and Thanipiravi.

List of films featuring the martial art form Silambam
List of Silambam films
Year Film Language(s) Lead actor(s) / Performer(s)
1956 Thaikkupin Tharam Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1962 Thayai Katha Thanayan Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1963 Periya Idathu Penn Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1964 Padagotti Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1966 Mugaraasi Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1966 Thanipiravi Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1970 Maattukara Velan Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1971 Rickshawkaran Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1976 Uzhaikkum Karangal Tamil M. G. Ramachandran
1978 Thai Meethu Sathiyam Tamil Rajinikanth
1980 Murattu Kaalai Tamil Rajinikanth
1982 Thooral Ninnu Pochchu Tamil K. Bhagyaraj
1983 Mundhanai Mudichu Tamil K. Bhagyaraj
1989 Karagattakaran Tamil Ramarajan
1992 Thevar Magan Tamil Kamal Haasan
1994 Periya Marudhu Tamil Vijayakanth
1995 Villadhi Villain Tamil Sathyaraj
1996 Amman Kovil Vaasalile Tamil Ramarajan
2008 Silambattam Tamil Silambarasan
2010 Vamsam Tamil Kishore
2011 7aum Arivu Tamil Suriya
2015 Baahubali: The Beginning Tamil, Telugu Prabhas
2018 Seemaraja Tamil Samantha Akkineni

See also

References
  1. Raj, J. David Manuel (1977). The Origin and the Historical Developlment of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defence Sport of India. Oregon: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon. pp. 44, 50, 83.
  2. Balambal, V. (1998). Studies in the History of the Sangam Age. New Delhi: Kalinga Publications. p. 6. ISBN 978-8185163871.
  3. Raj, J. David Manuel (1977). The Origin and the Historical Development of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defence Sport of India. Oregon: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon. pp. 44, 50, & 83.
  4. Sports Authority of India (1987). Indigenous Games and Martial Arts of India. New Delhi: Sports Authority of India. pp. 91 & 94.
  5. Crego, Robert (2003). Sports and Games of the 18th and 19th Centuries pg 32. Greenwood Press
  6. Guruji Murugan, Chillayah (20 October 2012). "Silambam health and physical benefits". Silambam. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  7. Ministry of Education (1956). National Plan of Physical Education and Recreation Publication No.237. New Delhi: Government of India, Ministry of Education.
  8. "United Nations grant Special Status for Silambam Asia". un.org. United Nations Meetings Coverage & Press Releases. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
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