Shastar Vidya

Shastar Vidya (Punjabi: ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ ਵਿਦਿਆ, Hindi: शस्तर विद्या) is a centuries-old Sikh battlefield art which translates to "the science of weapons". [1][2]

Shastar Vidiya
Also known asSikh Shastar Vidiya
FocusStriking
HardnessFull-contact sport, semi-contact, light-contact
Country of originIndia
Famous practitionersNidar Singh Nihang (real name Surjit Singh Bains)

History

The battle art has existed in the subcontinent for thousands of years and been preserved by people from many different cultures and religions. [3] Since the mid-16th century, the Sikh tribes of the Punjab became the chief custodians and masters of this fighting system. [4] In North India it is believed that this art is the father of all martial arts.

After the Anglo-Sikh wars the art was banned by the new British administrators of India in the mid-19th century. [5]

Features

The basis of Shastar Vidiya is a five-step movement which includes advancing on the opponent; hitting his flank, deflection of incoming blows, taking a commanding position and striking. As a full combat martial art it also includes both unarmed and armed combat techniques using swords, clubs, sticks, spears, daggers and other weapons. [6]

Principle of power

Shastar Vidya is a subtle art and does not rely on fitness, flexibility or strength like western fighting systems. Instead, it uses tactical positioning and body mechanics. [7] [8]

References
  1. Hegarty, Stephanie (2011-10-30). "The only living master of a dying martial art". Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  2. Myrvold, Kristina (2011). Sikhs in Europe: Migration, Identities, and Representations. Routledge. p. 241. ISBN 9781317055068.
  3. "British Sikhs revive deadly art banned by the Raj". Reuters. 2009-07-23. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  4. "Ancient but deadly: the return of shastar vidiya". The Independent. 2009-05-05. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  5. "Ancient but Deadly: 8 Indian Martial Art Forms and Where You Can Learn Them". The Better India. 2017-01-10. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  6. Mitra, Rohit (2018-10-21). "Sanatan Shastar Vidiya: Ancient Indian Battlefield Art". indomitableindia. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  7. "Ancient Indian Battlefield Secrets Revealed: Sanatan Shastra Vidya, the Original Art of War". myIndiamyGlory. 2017-09-30. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  8. "WATCH: Nidar Singh Nihang Revives The Deadly Sikhs Martial Art Of Shastar Vidya Banned By The British Raj". www.darpanmagazine.com. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
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