How did the Manipuris have a rich tradition of martial arts ?
Answers
Answer:
Thang Ta--"The Art of the Sword and Spear"-- is the traditional martial art of Manipur in Northeast India. It integrates various external weapons - the sword, spear, dagger, etc. - with the internal practice of physical control through soft movements coordinated with the rhythms of breathing. It is part of the great heroic tradition of Manipur.
Its origin lies in the timeless creation myths where, according to local legend, all movements of the Manipuris originated from Thang Ta. - AIKIKAI OF PHILADELPHIA, USA.
The proper name for Thang-Ta is HUYEN LALLONG ("method of safe-guarding"). As the name implies, Huyen Lallong is more than just the training of fighting skills. It is an elaborate system of physical culture that involves breathing methods, meditations, and rituals. Some of the sword and spear forms are entirely ritualistic, although they are composed of material techniques. They are to be performed only at special occasions or under special circumstances. For example, there is a spear form that is performed at funerals. Perhaps the most famous form is the ritual spear dance done by King Bhagyachandra (ruled 1759-1798) on a mountain top during his exile due to the Burmese invasion in 1762. The Manipuris believe that the ritual was instrumental in driving the Burmese out of Manipur.
The heart of Thang-Ta is the "sword". There are literally hundreds of different sword drills for training the basic strokes and stepping patterns. Many are two person sets, but others may be practiced solo, at least initially. The Thang-Ta spear forms are more complicated and must be seen to be appreciated. "Many are the warnings given by the old
teachers to their students who, they say, may seriously injure their limbs by incorrect stepping according to the design - PAKHANGBA, a coiled serpent motif", wrote Louis Light foot (1958) in "Dance Rituals of Manipur". Thang-Ta is almost completely unknown today outside Manipur. In India itself, the art is not well known, although a
documentary was broadcast on Indian television in 1994. "Unfortunately, opportunities for Westerners to study Thang-Ta are very limited. Travel to and from the region is restricted - few, if any, people outside of Manipur are able to study the art because of the Indian Government's entry restriction. To our knowledge, Khilton Nongmaithem (of HULA SINDAMSANG, IMPHAL) is the only Manipuri teaching Thang-Ta outside of Manipur."
Three warriors - Paona Naol Singh, Ningthoukhongja Poila, Loukrakpam Sana Mityeng each founded a distinct style within the art of THANG-TA. Paona died fighting the British and is still regarded as a hero in Manipur.
At the start of the sword drill, stand with feet shoulder width apart; turn to the left, pivoting on the balls of both feet. The feet should form an approximately forty-five degree angles. Lean forward until the toes of the left foot are aligned with the knee and the chin. Your body should form a straight line from the back of the head down to the right heel. This is called the "Lion's Posture" or basic stance.
The unarmed aspect of Thang-Ta is named SARIT-SARAT. Traditionally, it is taught after competence in weapons was gained. It uses footwork and handwork form the weapons forms, with a liberal dose of the native wrestling style (MUKNA) thrown in.
[Khilton Nongmaithem and Dainis Jirgensons (1998): Thang-Ta, The Martial
Art of Manipur India, JOURNAL OF ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS, vol. 7, no. 4.,
page 46-59].
Khilton Nongmaithem is one of the foremost exponents of Thang Ta, having studied since the age of six under traditional gurus who were responsible for rediscovering and propagating this nearly lost art. He has represented India in international festivals throughout the USA, Sweden, Italy, Germany, China, and England. Both he and Henry Smith
worked together in the Festival of Dance, Theater and Martial Arts held in Calcutta in 1987, and also performed together in "Body, Breath and Blade" at the South Bank in London in 1995. Together they recently presented performances and workshops in the "way of the Warrior" Festival held in London and Dusseldorf in 1998.
Explanation:
The people of manipuris were well versed in the use of a variety of weapons. The use of thang(sword) and ta(spear) was special trained. The manipuris used both the weapons in war as well as in hunting. The manipuris fought a number of battles with the mighty British with the skill of the use of sword and spear(thang and ta).