Pehlwani

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Pehlwani (also spelled as pahlwani) is an originally Iranian style of wrestling introduced to India by Indo-Persian dynasties. A practitioner of this sport is referred to as a pehlwan (also spelled pahlwan from Persian Pahlavan, champion, literally a Parthian). An expert or master of this art style of wrestling is called a Guru/"Ustad" (great teacher). In its modern form of pehlwani in India is heavily influenced by the traditional Indian art of Mallayuddha.

The Indian wrestling form has undergone several changes in both the nomanclature and training methodologies through the ages, the more prominent influences include the introduction of Persian nomanclature and western training methods. The result is the assimilation of the several foreign influences in the Indian techniques of Yoga and Malla-yuddha, giving rise to a form of wrestling that borrows from many civilizations.

Dangals (wrestling competitons) are held at village levels and have their own rules which vary from place to place but usually a win is awarded by either a decision from the a panel of judges, knockout, stoppage or submission.

History

The earliest wrestlers in India practiced the Malla-yuddha style of wrestling very often. Incidences of mythological warriors wrestling without weapons are plentiful in the epics of Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.

Wrestling has been very popular in India from ancient times and history bears eloquent testimony to this. There is the memorable fight between Bhima and Jarasandha narrated in the Mahabharata and the duel between Rustam and Sohrab mentioned in Shahnameh (the Persian book of kings). There is a description of a great wrestling contest described between Bhima and Jarasandha narrated in the Mahabharata. Historical wrestlers of repute include Bhima and Karna, both are mentioned in Mahabharata. Balarama, the brother of Lord Krishna was a renowned wrestler of his time. In the Ramayana there is mention of the vanara King Vali, having won against the mighty Ravana, the king of Lanka in the Malla-yuddha wrestling contest. The name of Bajarang Bali i.e. Lord Hanuman is symbolic with Indian wrestling and even today people, regardless of their religion, worship him for his superhuman prowess and might and seek His blessings for victory. During Sivaji's regime we hear of his son Sambhaji performing great feats in wrestling and finally tearing a lion with his own hands.

India in the recent past had world beaters of the class of Great Gama and Gobar Goho. India reached its peak of glory in the IV Asian Games (later on called Jakarta Games) in 1962 when all the seven wrestlers were placed on the medal list and in between them they bagged 12 medals in Freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling. A repetition of this performance was witnessed again when all the 8 wrestlers sent to the Commonwealth Games held at Kingston (Jamaica) had the distinction of getting medals for the country.

During the 60’s, India was ranked among the first eight or nine wrestling nations of the world and hosted the world wrestling championships in New Delhi in 1967.

The undefeated champions of India hold the title Rustum-i-Hind title.

Cross training was inevitable even in this ancient dicipline. Pehlwans who compete in wrestling nowadays are also known to cross train in the grappling aspects of Judo and Jujutsu.

Legendary wrestlers from the bygone era eg. Karl Gotch have made tours to India to learn the art of Pehlwani and further hone their skills. Karl Gotch was gifted a pair of "mudgals" (exercise equipment used by the Indian wrestlers) by the Indian wrestlers. Modern martial arts masters keep discovering the secrets of this ancient wrestling form and incorporate it into modern styles of wrestling [link] [link]. The conditioning exercises of Pehlwani form the base of the conditioning aspect of both catch wrestling and shoot wrestling, alongwith their derivative systems. These systems also borrow several throws, submissions and takedowns from Pehlwani.

Having said that, the popularity of this strong tradition seems to be withering away. The fabled "milked sand wrestling pits" (20X20 deep stone courtyards, filled with clay and water or milk), which served as the traditional arena for both training and competitions are now giving way to wrestling mats and rings. The wrestlers are pursuing the sport as a hobby and not as a full time profession, and the popular professional wrestling promotions have pushed Pehlwani to the brink of obscurity.

Famous Pehlwans

Olympic Freestyle Wrestlers

• Khasabha Jadhav - 1952 olympic bronze medalist, 1948 olympics 4th place.

Asian Games Freestyle Wrestlers

• Master Chandgiram 1970 Asian games gold medalist is an Indian wrestler who is Known for defeating champions from numerous other disciplines of martial arts.Currently run Chandiram akhara in old delhi.
• Kartar Singh 1978 and 1986 Asian games gold medalist, currently DSP Punjab police and Director general of sports Punjab.
• Satpal Singh 1982 Asian games gold medalist, currently Director general of sports Delhi.

Legendary Indian Wrestlers

• Great Gama.

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