🏛️ History & Art-CultureUPSC 2014Martial Arts in India

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014)

aIt is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India.
bIt is an ancient style bronze and brass work still found in the southern part of the Coromandel area.
cIt is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar.
dIt is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India.
✓ Correct answer: d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India.
ExplanationAns: D Exp: Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art form which originated in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India.Its name derives from the Malayalam words "Kalari," meaning training ground or battlefield and "Payattu," meaning practice or fight.This martial art is renowned for its comprehensive training regimen which includes strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry, healing methods, and meditation.Practitioners begin their training with an oil massage to enhance body agility and suppleness.The art also emphasizes knowledge of "Marmas" or vital points by integrating traditional healing practices into its system.Mar tial Art Ori gin Key Features Weapons/ Technique s Kala ripa yatt u Ker ala Comprehensive system of strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry; includes healing practices.Sticks, swords, daggers, flexible swords, barehande d techniques; marma points.Sila mba m Ta mil Nad u Weapon-based art focused on the use of the bamboo staff (Silambam stick); emphasizes fluid movements and footwork.Bamboo staff, swords, daggers, various other weapons.Gat ka Pun jab Sikh martial art centered on armed combat, especially with swords and sticks; strong spiritual component.Swords, sticks (lathi), shields.Tha ng- Ta Ma nip ur Combines armed and unarmed combat; features sword and spear techniques and hand-to-hand fighting Swords, spears, daggers, shields.Mar dani Khel Ma har asht ra Primarily a weapon-based art, with a focus on sword skills; historically used by Maratha warriors.Swords, shields, spears, daggers.Mall akh amb Ma dhy a Gymnastic sport and martial art; Vertical pole, rope. | | UPSC Pra des h involves performing aerial yoga postures and holds on a vertical pole or rope.

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