{"id":118,"date":"2017-12-23T11:21:17","date_gmt":"2017-12-23T11:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/askgalore.in\/martialask\/?p=118"},"modified":"2017-12-23T11:21:17","modified_gmt":"2017-12-23T11:21:17","slug":"mardani-khel-maharashtra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/askgalore.in\/martialask\/mardani-khel-maharashtra\/","title":{"rendered":"MARDANI KHEL- MAHARASHTRA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Involving the use of an \u201cIndian sword i.e. pata and corded lance i.e. vita\u201d is a South Asian martial art form known as Mardani Khel. This \u201cweapon\u201d based form of combat is said to have originated from Maharashtra located in the west of India. Apparently, this form of combat is said to have been developed under the famous \u201cMaratha\u201d regime that existed in Maharashtra mainly during the 16th<\/sup> and 17th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

a. History\/origin of the Mardani Khel:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Historically speaking, it is said that Mardani Khel was actually created in the state of Maharashtra. The reason behind the development of such a form of martial art was the geography of the state, which mainly comprised of a \u201chilly region filled with valleys and caves\u201d. It is this unique landscape of Maharashtra that encouraged a more mobile form of combat, as a result of which the \u201cMardani Khel\u201d was developed as form of martial art to be used in war. \u00a0Furthermore, it was only in the early 16th<\/sup> century during the reign of Shahji a \u201cMaratha\u201d king (father of the great Shivaji Maharaj) that this martial art form became popular. In addition, his son Shivaji also learnt this martial art form and was supposed to have been a master in it. However, unfortunately it was during the colonial rule of the British Raj (as was the case with many other martial art forms) that popularity of Mardani Khel gradually waned.<\/p>\n

b. Weapon used in the Mardani Khel:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAn Indian sword known as the \u201cpata\u201d and a corded lance called \u201cvita\u201d is mainly used as a weapon in this form of combat. However, there are many other weapons that can be used, they are as follows:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Talwar:<\/strong> Is basically a \u201ccurved edge\u201d sword.<\/li>\n
  2. Bhala: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cshort spear with a thick head\u201d.<\/li>\n
  3. Bharcha: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cheavy spear\u201d made of the metal iron.<\/li>\n
  4. Bothati: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201clance\u201d from a horseback.<\/li>\n
  5. Lathi: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cstick or a staff\u201d.<\/li>\n
  6. Dhala: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201ccircular shield\u201d.<\/li>\n
  7. Madhu: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cweapon shaped like deer horns\u201d.<\/li>\n
  8. Kurhad: <\/strong>Is basically \u201can axe\u201d.<\/li>\n
  9. Dhanda: <\/strong>Is basically \u201ca battle axe\u201d.<\/li>\n
  10. Khukuri: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cknife that curves inward\u201d.<\/li>\n
  11. Dhanushya: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cbow and arrow\u201d.<\/li>\n
  12. Katyara: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cpush dagger with a H-shaped handle\u201d.<\/li>\n
  13. Bagh Naka: <\/strong>Is basically an \u201ciron claw\u201d.<\/li>\n
  14. Bichuwa: <\/strong>Is basically a \u201cScorpion knife\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0c.\u00a0<\/strong>Technique used in the Mardani Khel and the training centre:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In terms of technique, a fighter basically uses a weapon in the form of a \u201cpata\u201d an Indian sword and \u201ccorded\u201d lance to overcome an opponent. Furthermore, a shield along with a sword may also be used at times. As for training centres\/schools, there are none available around the world for this \u201cweapon\u201d based martial art form.<\/p>\n

    image credit<\/strong><\/a>