FReeper Canteen ~ Part VII of War in Ancient India ~ August 24, 2004

a Tribute to Hinduism ^ | August 24, 2004 | LaDivaLoca

[LaDivaLoca]

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served in
The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom?
Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

ANCIENT WARFARE





Part VII: War in Ancient India

Martial Arts - Fighting without weapons

"Fighting without weapons was a specialty of the Ksatreya (caste of Ancient India)and foot soldier alike. For the Ksatreya it was simply part and parcel of their all around training, but for the lowly peasant it was essential. We read in the Vedas of men unable to afford armor who bound their heads with turbans called Usnisa to protect themselves from sword and axe blows.

"Fighting on foot for a Ksatreya was necessary in case he was unseated from his chariot or horse and found himself without weapons. Although the high ethical code of the Ksatreya forbid anyone but another Ksatreya from attacking him, doubtless such morals were not always observed, and when faced with an unscrupulous opponent, the Ksatreya needed to be able to defend himself, and developed, therefore, a very effective form of hand-to-hand combat that combined techniques of wrestling, throws, and hand strikes. Tactics and evasion were formulated that were later passed on to successive generations. This skill was called Vajramukhti, a name meaning "thunderbolt closed - or clasped - hands." The tile Vajramukti referred to the usage of the hands in a manner as powerful as the vajra maces of traditional warfare. Vajramukti was practiced in peacetime by means of regular physical training sessions and these utilized sequences of attack and defense technically termed in Sanskrit nata."  

Kalaripayattu, literally “the way of the battlefield,” still survives in Kerala, where it is often dedicated to Mahakali. The Kalari grounds are usually situated near a temple, and the pupils, after having touched the feet of the master, salute the ancestors and bow down to the Goddess, begin the lesson. Kalari trainings have been codified for over 3000 years and nothing much has changed. 

The warming up is essential and demands great suppleness. Each movement is repeated several times, facing north, east, south and west, till perfect loosening is achieved. The young pupils pass on to the handling of weapons, starting with the “Silambam”, a short stick  made of extremely hard wood, which in the olden times could effectively deal with swords. The blows are hard and the parade must be fast and precise, to avoid being hit on the fingers! They continue with the swords, heavy, and dangerous, even though they are not sharpened any more, as they are used. Without guard or any kind of body protection; they whirl, jump and parry, in an impressive ballet. Young, fearless girls fight with enormous knives, bigger than their arms and the clash of irons is echoed in the ground. The session ends with the big canes, favorite weapons of the Buddhist traveler monks, which they used during their long journey towards China to scare away attackers.   

The “Urimi” is the most extraordinary weapon of Kalari, unique in the world. This double-edged flexible sword which the old-time masters used to wrap around the waist to keep coiled in one hand, to suddenly whip at the opponent and inflict mortal blows, is hardly used today in trainings, for it is much too dangerous.

This indigenous martial arts, under the name of Kalari or Kalaripayit exists only in South India today. Kalarippayat is said to be the world's original martial art. Originating at least 1,300 years ago, India's Kalaripayit is the oldest martial art taught today. It is also the most potentially violent, because students advance from unarmed combat to the use of swords, sharpened flexible metal lashes, and peculiar three-bladed daggers. More than 2,000 years old, it was developed by warriors of the Cheras kingdom in Kerala. Training followed strict rituals and guidelines. The entrance to the 14 m-by-7 m arena, or kalari, faced east and had a bare earth floor. Fighters took Shiva and Shakti, the god and goddess of power, as their deities. From unarmed kicks and punches, kalarippayat warriors would graduate to sticks, swords, spears and daggers and study the marmas—the 107 vital spots on the human body where a blow can kill. Training was conducted in secret, the lethal warriors unleashed as a surprise weapon against the enemies of Cheras.

Father and founder of Zen Buddhism (called C’han in China), Boddidharma, a Brahmin born in Kacheepuram in Tamil Nadu, in 522 A.D. arrived at the courts of the Chinese Emperor Liang Nuti, of the 6th dynasty. He taught the Chinese monks Kalaripayattu, a very ancient Indian martial art, so that they could defend themselves against the frequent attacks of bandits. In time, the monks became famous all over China as experts in bare-handed fighting, later known as the Shaolin boxing art. The Shaolin temple which has been handed back a few years ago by the communist Government to the C’han Buddhist monks, inheritors of Boddhidharma’s spiritual and martial teachings, by the present Chinese Government, is now open to visitors. On one of the walls, a fresco can be seen, showing Indian dark-skinned monks, teaching their lighter-skinned Chinese brothers the art of bare-handed fighting. On this painting are inscribed: “Tenjiku Naranokaku” which means: “the fighting techniques to train the body (which come) from India…”

Kalari payatt was banned by the British in 1793.  (Refer to chapter on European Imperialism).

(For more information on martial arts refer to chapter India and China and Kalarippayattu and Kalari Payatte - The martial art of Kerala

(source: The Boddhisattva Warriors: The Origin, Inner Philosophy, History and Symbolism of the Buddhist Martial Art Within India and China - By Terence Dukes/ Shifu Nagaboshi Tomio  p. 3 - 158-174 and 242. A Western Journalist on India: a ferengi's columns - By Francois Gautier Har-Anand Publications January 2001  ISBN 8124107955 p. 155-158).

Silambam – Indian Stick Fighting

     

The art Nillaikalakki Silambam was brought to the royal court during the reign of the Cheran, Cholan and Pandian emperors, once powerful rulers of India.  

The art Nillaikalakki Silambam, which exists for more than five thousand years, is an authentic art which starts with the stick called Silambamboo (1.68 meters long). It originates from the Krunji mountains of south India, and is as old as the Indian sub-continent itself.

The natives called Narikuravar were using a staff called Silambamboo as a weapon to defend themselves against wild animals, and also to display their skill during their religious festivals. The Hindu scholars and yogis who went to the Krunji mountains to meditate got attracted by the display of this highly skilled spinning Silambamboo. The art Nillaikalakki Silambam therefore became a part of the Hindu scholars and yogis training, as they were taught by the Narikuravar. 

They brought the art to the royal court during the reign of the Cheran, Cholan and Pandian emperors, once powerful rulers of India.

(source: Silamban – Indian Stick Fighting).

Next Tuesday, Part VIII of War in Ancient India

[Spotsy]

I think I'm still on a sugar high from yesterday's parade of desserts.

Any exciting news from the Alaska primary yet?

[Fawnn]

I meant to ask you, will Shorty let us know as soon as she finds out what your baby's name is?

I thought Star's newest male offspring is to be named Dude Winglethorp!? Or is it Winglethorp Dude? ;)

[StarCMC]

will Shorty let us know as soon as she finds out what your baby's name is?

YOu mean, besides DUDE? LOL!!

And yes, as soon as we get it settled - whenever that will be - I'll make sure you all are in on it!

[StarCMC]

I think I've heard that one before...not that I'd be that crude myself, you see!

[StarCMC]

LOL!! You know, I am pretty critical when READING written stuff - especially written by others. My Grandma is an excellenct grammaticist (is that really a word?) and she imparted some quirks to me. For example, I hate it when someone says 'More importantly....' It should be "More important...." One of my (many) pet peeves! But online, I just go with the flow - God knows I make a ton of mistakes myself!!

(i.e. get the plank outta your eye before you get the speck outta the eye of your brother! LOL!!)

[Fawnn]

Spotsy!!! #300!!!

[laurenmarlowe]

That's a beautiful picture...Bear looks so content to be there with his sheep pals.

[SevenofNine]

Breaking news off Interfax wire report that two Russia Aeoplane has just smash in each other over skies of Mosocw at this hour killing 100 people so far

[SevenofNine]

Dude I mistaken one plane went down in Russia near Tusla near border of Russia Georgia other one second plane is missing over SOuthrn Georgia
Developing according to Tass news wire

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

OVER IRAQ -- A pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons launch flares during a mission Aug. 18. The aircraft are assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, from the New Mexico Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott Reed)

040807-N-0120R-083 Pacific Ocean (Aug. 7, 2004) – USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) navigate into position for a photo exercise. Kitty Hawk and Stennis CSGs recently participated in Joint Air/Sea Exercise 2004 (JASEX ‘04). Kitty Hawk is currently under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) as the ship demonstrates power projection and sea control as the world's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class William H. Ramsey (RELEASED)

040821-N-4748O-089 Pacific Ocean (Aug. 21, 2004) - Lt.Cmdr. Jake Jacoby from Seattle, Wash., and Lt.Cmdr. (Select) Mark Sibon from Oak Harbor Wash., gives the go to a T-45A Goshawk assigned to Training Air Wing Two (TW-2) to launch from catapult one. Lincoln is currently conducting operations in preparation for its deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Geanine I. Ortez (RELEASED)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Whoa, doggy! The brakes are slipping on a four-legged-drive model at the Prince William County Fair in Manassas, Va.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

[laurenmarlowe]

LOL! That young man does not seem to be daunted by his task whatsoever!

[Kathy in Alaska]

You are on a roll today!!

Spotsy.....#100, #250, #300!!
#350 and it's a hat trick. LOL!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good afternoon, Meekie. Thanks for my cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Finally a few minutes to enjoy it.

[Spotsy]

Maybe we should ask Tonkin if we can devote a Canteen thread to common grammar mistakes. LOL! Fawnn, having authored a book on the subject, could lead the way.

My mistakes have more to do with my typing. I swear my fingers are not hooked up to my brain and I see what I want to see on the screen, instead of what is actually there.

BTW, Dude Winglethorp - now that is a name destined for greatness!

[Spotsy]

#350 and it's a hat trick. LOL!

Heeeeeehhhh! Wait a second. Spotsy isn't up on all of her sports, but doesn't THREE constitute a hat trick??

[MeekOneGOP]

Finally a few minutes to enjoy it.

Yay!

I have two versions of that pic .....
http://RMeek141.home.comcast.net/DickCheney20030613B.JPG

[Radix]

Staff Sgt. Isaac Garcia, left, of San Antonio, and Sgt. 1st Class Felipe Azua, of Plainview, Texas, both with the 1st Cavalry Division, distribute humanitarian relief rations to residents on the outskirts of Sadr City, Iraq, on Tuesday.

The mosh pit phenomenon has finally become popular in Iraq.

 

 

Sgt. 1st Class Felipe Azua, a member of the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, which is attached to the 1st Cavalry Division, distributes humanitarian relief to residents on the outskirts of Sadr City, Iraq, on Tuesday.

The Kerry campaign criticized the military today because many of the distributed foods did not contain ingredients information in the Farsi language.

 

 

An Iraqi woman carries children to a distribution point for coalition-supported humanitarian relief rations on Tuesday on the outskirts of Sadr City, a Baghdad slum.

This lucky civilian was able to pick up two children at a very reasonable price at the annual Sadr City rummage sale.

 

Sgt. 1st Class Felipe Azua hands out humanitarian relief rations to residents of the Baghdad slum of Sadr City on Tuesday.

Tickets for the upcoming Toby Keith concert went on sale and there was mayhem in the lines as tickets were sold on a first come first serve basis.

 

A soldier inspects the scene of a car bombing in Baghdad on Tuesday that targeted Iraqi Environment Minister Miskhat Moumin. The minister, who was unharmed, was traveling in a convoy in the southern Baghdad neighborhood of Kadisea when the blast occurred.

The "H" bus never seems to show up on time in Baghdad.

 

Iraqi National Guardsmen and U.S. soldiers inspect the area of a car bombing in Baghdad on Tuesday that targeted Iraqi Environment Minister Miskhat Moumin.

The Battalion's motor pool was a mess and the police detail was seriously behind in their mission today.

 

 

 

A soldier walks along the fence line at Camp Delta at Guantanamo Naval Station, Cuba, on Monday. Preliminary hearings before a commission of five military officers began Tuesday for four suspected al-Qaida associates charged by the U.S. with war crimes.

There are anticipated to soon be a few new vacancies at the military's plush accommodations in beautiful sub tropical Guantanamo. 

Quartermaster 3rd Class Ryan Young, of Chicago, uses an Azimuth Circle to record a fix on the exact position of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, currently underway in the Arabian Gulf, on Sunday. Kennedy and Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) are operating in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The new Game Boys are ordinarily not allowed to be used by personnel on the flight deck but every once in a while a few get away with violating the restriction.

 

 

 

Maintenance personnel assigned to the "Jolly Rogers" of Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VF-103) complete final checks on two F-14 fighters prior to night flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy in the Arabian Gulf on Sunday.

Some people might think that they should do flight operations during the day when it is easier to see.

 

 

 

A pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons launch flares during a mission over Iraq on Wednesday. The aircraft, from the New Mexico Air National Guard, are assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

According to the Kerry campaign the pilots of these jets are not serving together.

 

 

Staff Sgt. Timothy Cox carries his military working dog, Ronny, to a C-130 Hercules aircraft on Sunday for an aeromedical evacuation to Germany. Ronny was diagnosed with pericardial effusion, an unnatural collection of fluid around his heart that began interfering with the heart's functioning. Cox and Ronny are assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia.

As a reward for his good work Ronny the Army Dog gets to be carried around  to all of his duty stations for a week.

 

 

Staff Sgt. Brian Hennard marshalls an F-117 Stealth fighter during night operations at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, on Saturday. Hennard is a crew chief deployed from the 49th Maintenance Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

The first pre-season game of Stealth fighter football began finally this week.

 

 

 

Capt. Matt Smith, left, a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, competes in lightweight four-man rowing at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

 Isn't it interesting that the Army gets to do the rowing in the Olympics, and the Navy gets to watch it on television?

 

 

Staff Sgt. David Wheeler, attached to Command Joint Task Force Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan, looks down onto a village from a security post during a checkpoint with the 1st Embedded Training Team and Afghan National Army in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, to monitor suspected smuggling routes.

The Olympic Games just this year initiated the new Sim City Tournament in an area just outside of Athens.

 

Florida Army National Guard soldiers provide security for the Asadabad Provincial Reconstruction Team, Task Force Victory, and Task Force 325 during a Cooperative Medical mission in Afghanistan’s Kunar province on Wednesday. The soldiers provided medical care to both people and animals.

"Sarge, I do not think that the word for "bootleg run" means exactly the same thing in Farsi, and they are going to mess up this next play."

 

 

Just another day at the office for our Troops.

 

[Spotsy]

WOW! That is some news about the Russian planes.
I know they have the worst commercial aviation safety record
(or second worst behind South America as a a whole), but the odds of this being a coincidence are not that great.

Thanks for the updates Seven.