History of Indian Martial Arts of Ayurveda & Karma Yoga Sciences & Education

[Soke Dr.Jagdish Singh Khatri]

Vedic literature includes a field of study known as "DhanuVeda" (from Dhanu means 'Bow' and Veda  is 'Knowledge') which developed into an important component of ancient Hindu society. This "sciences of archery" included armed and unarmed combat, and aspects such as meditation and mental conditioning.The theories behind Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantra, such as

1) Prana- Life forces                               

2) Kundalini - coiled energy

3) Nadi - meridians

4) Chakra - aura                        

5) Marman - pressure points, are also present in Indian Martial Arts.

Although many Hindus Saints have championed non-violence in modern times,it is also true that many ancient Hindu Temples have statues of deities and warriors in various postures related to combat.It is also true that the responsibility for the practice of Indian martial arts fell to the hands of the Hindu Kshatriya(Warrior caste) Further more, a number of ancient Dravidian martial arts were developed in South India, like in

Tamil Nadu

1) Kuttu Varisai - (empty hand combat)     

2) Varma Kalai - (the art of vital points)

Kerala

1) Kalarippayatt (Way of the arena)          

2) Adithada - (attack and defend).

 

The Vishnu Purane text describes DhanuVeda as one of the traditional 18 branches of Knowledge.

Lotus Sutra :- combat techniques, boxing arts, joint locks, fist strikes, grapples and throws, dance movement - Nara.