Introduction & Summary
After facing significant decline during the colonial era due to suppressive policies and loss of patronage, Indian Martial Arts (IMAs) have witnessed a concerted effort towards their revival and promotion in independent India. Recognizing their immense cultural, historical, and health significance, both governmental and non-governmental organizations, alongside dedicated gurus, have worked tirelessly to bring these ancient practices back into prominence. This section details these revival efforts, highlights their integration into mainstream sports, discusses the persistent challenges they face, and examines their growing global recognition, providing a contemporary perspective essential for UPSC aspirants.
12.4.1: Efforts by Government and Private Organizations
The revival of Indian Martial Arts is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, each playing a crucial role in bringing these ancient practices back to prominence.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS)
- Khelo India Initiative: Identified and promoted indigenous sports, including several martial arts.
- Sports Authority of India (SAI): Provides financial assistance, infrastructure, coaching facilities, and support for training.
- National Sports Federations: Encourages formation and strengthening for competition organization and regulation.
Ministry of Culture
- Sangeet Natak Akademi: Grants, scholarships, and fellowships for traditional performing arts with strong performance components (e.g., Kalaripayattu, Chhau).
- Cultural Exchange Programs: Promotes IMAs internationally through delegations and performances.
- Documentation and Research: Supports initiatives to preserve knowledge systems.
State Governments
- Direct patronage, financial aid, and infrastructure for local martial arts (e.g., Kerala for Kalaripayattu, Punjab for Gatka).
- Organize state-level competitions and festivals.
Individual Gurus and Akharas
- Bedrock of preservation, often keeping the traditions alive during periods of decline.
- Crucial role in transmitting knowledge via Guru-shishya parampara.
- Many gurus operate with limited resources, driven by passion.
Private Organizations and NGOs
- Dedicated to teaching, promoting, and researching specific martial arts forms.
- Often organize workshops, demonstrations, and collaborate with schools.
Media and Entertainment Industry
- Indian cinema and television have occasionally featured martial arts, increasing visibility and public interest.
- Documentaries and cultural shows highlight the unique aspects of these traditions.
12.4.2: Inclusion in Sports Competitions
A significant development in the recent past has been the formal inclusion of indigenous martial arts in national sports competitions, providing them a much-needed platform and impetus.
Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) Inclusion
In December 2021 (for KIYG 2021, held in 2022 due to the pandemic), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the inclusion of four indigenous martial arts/sports as competitive disciplines:
Significance of Inclusion
- National Recognition: Elevates their status from regional cultural practices to nationally recognized sports.
- Funding and Infrastructure: Opens avenues for increased government funding, better training facilities, and coaching expertise.
- Talent Identification: Creates a structured pathway for young talent to be identified, nurtured, and participate at national levels.
- Popularization: Significantly boosts their visibility and appeal among youth, encouraging participation.
- Livelihood Opportunities: Creates opportunities for athletes, coaches, and related support staff.
Some of these forms are also being included in the Khelo India University Games (KIUG), further extending their reach into higher education institutions. Regular national championships are organized by the respective sports federations under the aegis of SAI, fostering competition and excellence.
12.4.3: Persistent Challenges
Despite revival efforts, significant challenges persist that hinder the widespread promotion and sustainability of Indian martial arts.
Many Akharas and Gurus operate with limited financial resources, making it difficult to maintain training facilities, provide competitive remuneration to coaches, or offer scholarships to talented but economically disadvantaged students. Government funding often focuses on sports aspects, sometimes missing the holistic or cultural elements.
- Time Constraints: Demanding academic schedules and career pressures leave less time for rigorous, long-term martial arts training.
- Preference for Western Sports: Youth often gravitate towards globally popular sports (cricket, football) due to better professional prospects and media exposure.
- Sedentary Habits: Increasing reliance on digital entertainment and sedentary lifestyles makes it difficult to adopt the physically demanding training regimens.
Low wages and lack of career prospects in the traditional sector discourage younger generations from taking up martial arts as a full-time profession. The traditional Guru-shishya parampara is weakening due to various socio-economic factors, leading to a loss of experienced masters.
While essential for formal sports competitions (rules, scoring, safety), rigid standardization can sometimes dilute the traditional techniques, philosophical depth, or regional variations of the art. Balancing authenticity with competitive requirements is a delicate task.
Many forms remain confined to their regions due to insufficient marketing and public awareness campaigns at the national level.
The popularity of foreign martial arts like Karate, Taekwondo, and Kung Fu, often highly commercialized, poses a challenge to indigenous forms.
12.4.4: Global Recognition & Spread
Despite challenges, some Indian martial arts have achieved significant global recognition, attracting practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide.
Kalaripayattu
- Often hailed as the "mother of all martial arts," with immense international interest.
- Practiced and studied in various countries, including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
- Its unique combination of combat, healing, and spiritual elements appeals to a global audience interested in holistic development.
- International workshops, demonstrations, and collaborations with foreign artists and filmmakers are common.
Gatka
- With the Sikh diaspora, Gatka has spread globally, particularly in countries with significant Sikh populations (e.g., UK, Canada, USA).
- It is performed at religious festivals and cultural events internationally, showcasing Sikh heritage and martial prowess.
- International Gatka federations exist, organizing competitions and promotional events.
Silambam
- Has a strong presence in countries with Tamil diaspora, such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and some European nations.
- Its fluid staff-fighting techniques and athletic movements have gained recognition in the global martial arts community.
Yoga's Indirect Connection
- While not a martial art, the global popularity of Yoga (which shares deep roots with many Indian martial arts in terms of physical discipline, breath control, and spiritual philosophy) has indirectly opened doors for interest in other Indian physical traditions.
Cultural exchange programs, tourism initiatives, and the internet have played a crucial role in introducing these arts to a wider global audience.
Conclusion & Way Forward
The journey of Indian Martial Arts from historical glory to colonial decline and now a phase of robust revival is a testament to their enduring value. Their inclusion in national sporting frameworks marks a significant step towards their mainstreaming and sustainability.
Significance of Revival
- Reclaiming Heritage: Reestablishes a crucial part of India's cultural and military heritage.
- Youth Empowerment: Provides avenues for physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense for a new generation.
- Soft Power: India's unique contribution to global sports and cultural diversity.
- Economic Opportunity: Potential for creating livelihoods through training, performance, and related industries.
Way Forward for IMAs
- Balanced Promotion: Focus on both the sports aspect (for national recognition and funding) and the traditional/cultural aspects (for authenticity and philosophical depth).
- Financial Sustainability: Develop sustainable funding models beyond government grants, including corporate sponsorships, crowdfunding, and commercial ventures.
- Integrated Curriculum: Introduce age-appropriate elements in school curricula, potentially linking with the "Fit India" movement.
- Digital Documentation & Marketing: Leverage digital platforms for comprehensive documentation, virtual training, and global marketing.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Encourage research to understand the historical, cultural, medical, and scientific aspects of these arts.
- Community Engagement: Empower local communities and traditional practitioners to take ownership of revival efforts.
- International Collaborations: Foster partnerships with global martial arts organizations and cultural bodies for exchange and promotion.
By proactively addressing the challenges and strategically leveraging opportunities, India can ensure that its ancient martial arts thrive, not just as relics of the past, but as dynamic, living traditions contributing to the well-being and cultural richness of the nation and the world.
UPSC Exam Corner: Ready Reckoner
Prelims-ready Notes
- Revival Efforts: MYAS, SAI, Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, State Govts, Gurus, Akharas, NGOs, media.
- KIYG Inclusion (Dec 2021/2022): Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Mallakhamb. (Significance: National recognition, funding, talent identification, popularization.)
- Challenges: Lack of funding, modern lifestyle, declining Gurus, standardization debate, awareness, infra gaps, foreign competition.
- Global Recognition: Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Silambam, Yoga's indirect influence.
Mains-ready Analytical Notes
- State Intervention vs. Organic Growth: Debate on balancing structured support with preserving traditional ethos and philosophical depth.
- Modernization Imperative: Need to adapt curriculum, marketing, and digital platforms without losing core authenticity.
- Economic Viability: Essential for sustained revival by offering viable career paths (athletes, coaches, performers, historians).
- Soft Power & Cultural Diplomacy: IMAs showcase India's ancient wisdom and physical prowess, enhancing global standing.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
UPSC CSE 2022 (Contextual):
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
- The inclusion of indigenous sports in Khelo India Youth Games is a recent government initiative.
- Mallakhamb, an indigenous sport, has ancient roots and is often associated with gymnastic traditions.
- The primary objective of including indigenous martial arts in competitive sports is to promote them for Olympic medal prospects.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct (Dec 2021 announcement). Statement 2 is correct (Mallakhamb's characteristics). Statement 3 is incorrect; while a long-term aspiration, the primary objective is national recognition, preservation, and popularization, not solely Olympic medals.
UPSC CSE 2017 (Significance of recognition):
Which of the following would be the most significant impact of including a traditional martial art in national sports competitions?
(a) It would lead to an immediate increase in the number of international medals for India.
(b) It would solely commercialize the art, losing its cultural essence.
(c) It would provide official recognition, funding, and a pathway for talent identification.
(d) It would replace the traditional Guru-shishya parampara with formal coaching.
Answer: (c)
Hint: This question tests the understanding of the direct benefits of such a formal inclusion. Options (a), (b), (d) represent potential side effects or extreme outcomes, not the primary and most significant impact.
UPSC CSE (Model, focusing on challenges):
Which of the following is/are among the major challenges faced by traditional Indian martial arts in their contemporary revival efforts?
- Lack of sustainable funding for traditional training centers.
- Preference for Western sports among modern youth.
- Strict adherence to ancient techniques, hindering adaptation for wider appeal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Hint: While sometimes there's a debate on strict adherence, it's the need for standardization and balancing tradition with modernity that is the challenge, not necessarily strict adherence hindering appeal in all cases. The first two are direct and significant challenges.
UPSC CSE 2017 (Mains):
What are the challenges faced by the traditional performing arts in India in the contemporary era? Discuss the role of various governmental and non-governmental organizations in addressing these challenges.
Direction:
This question directly fits the topic. Discuss challenges like financial viability, competition from modern entertainment, declining number of practitioners, and the struggle to adapt to modern lifestyles. Then, detail the roles of Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Khelo India), and NGOs in providing patronage, training, infrastructure, and promotional platforms for revival.
UPSC CSE 2015 (Mains):
"The traditional sports are losing their importance in modern India due to the dominance of global sports." Discuss the statement and suggest measures to revive indigenous sports.
Direction:
This question allows for a detailed discussion of the 'decline' and 'revival' aspects. Address the impact of global sports and modern lifestyles. For revival measures, focus on systematic government support (Khelo India, financial aid), promoting careers in martial arts, raising public awareness, ensuring quality training, and leveraging their cultural and holistic health benefits.
UPSC CSE 2021 (Mains):
How does the promotion of indigenous sports and martial arts contribute to India's soft power on the global stage? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)
Key Points/Structure:
- Introduction: Define soft power and link it to cultural heritage.
- Contribution of IMAs to Soft Power: Unique Cultural Expression, Global Appeal, Cultural Exchange, National Pride.
- Examples: Global spread of Kalaripayattu and Gatka, international workshops, inclusion in national platforms (Khelo India) that gain global media attention.
- Way Forward: Emphasize the need for continued strategic promotion and quality assurance.
- Conclusion: Reiterate their role as dynamic cultural ambassadors.