The Origin & Historical Development of Silambam Fencing© 1988 by Dr. David Manuel RajContact: david.manuelraj@redifmail.com; cell phone # 9884061557 or 9840020766

This research paper written in 1988 by Dr. David Manuel Raj, pictured below, wasselected by the xxiv Seoul Olympic Scientific Congress (South Korea) and scheduled tobe read on September 10, 1988 at one of the seminar halls at the Danhook UniversityCampus in Seoul, South Korea.

The Origin & Historical Development of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defense Sport of India

INTRODUCTION

Etymologically Silambam is an onomatopoeic term for the swishing soundproduced when an elastic cane bamboo, uniform in cross section and of a length which isa little less than that of the performer, is brandished with power and hit against another inthe process of dueling (1).

The purpose of this study was to trace the origin and the historical development ofSilambam Fencing, a Dravidian Martial Sport of Tamil civilization, India from pre-historic time to the 20th Century A. D.

METHOD

This study was undertaken mainly by Library Research Method.

HISTORY OF SILAMBAM FENCING BEFORE CHRIST

According to Rapson, E. J. (2) several millennia before the Christian Era, thegreater part of India was inhabited by Dravidians. Rajagopalan, K. (3) writes: Stick fight(Silambam Fencing) of Dravidians using cane bamboos is predominantly a prehistoricmethod of defense and attack. Paleolithic and Neolithic man found it quite handy inSouth India as a weapon for defense and attack against animal and human foes. Iyengar,S. (4) records: Single stick (wand of male bamboo) fencing is prevalent still in SouthIndia right from the Stone Age. According to Tamil India (5) palm-leaf called EADU wasused by ancient Dravidians to inscribe Tamil literature including Silambam materialswith the help of a traditional iron stylus called ELUTHUTANI (Tamil). Some scholarsspecializing in Sangam Tamil literature assert that Agasthiars included Silambam as oneof the 64 ancient arts (6). A legendary Agasthian seems to have written an ancient TamilWork AGATHITHIYAM. Tolkappiam (300 BC), the first grammar work in Tamilreported to have been composed by one of the twelve disciples of Agasthian (7) is theforerunner of the Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvana Vedas arranged by Vedasyasar, saysNachchnaarkiniar (8). Senavurayar (9) interpret[ation of] the 81st stanza of CHOLATHIGARAM in Tolkappiam shows the existence of Silambakkodams (akin to amodern gymnasium wherein Martial Sports were taught). Silambam seems to haveflourished even before 300 BC. Silambam fencing materials collated from MariaMichael Asan (10) might have been passed on to him from generation to generationeither through oral tradition or through palm-leaf manuscript from a dim past. Pillai (11)records Silambam Fencing was one of the recreation activities of Dravidians long beforethe migration of the Aryans into India (2000 to 1500 BC). Dravidian Tamil Princes of theolden days are said to be trained in Silambam, Horse Riding, and Sword fencing and wefind evidence of this in many legendary writings. Rapson (12) opines: Long before thebeginning of the Christian era, the Dravidian South … had constituted themselves intopowerful kingdoms, some of which carried on thriving trades with Western Asia, Egyptand later with Greek and Roman Empires. Rapson (13) and Rajagopalan (14) make itclear that the Tyrians, Hebrews, Western Asians, Far East Islanders, Egyptians, Greeks,

Romans and Babylonians traded with South Indians. An exhibit (15) of British Museumcites Sticks of this kind were used by Egyptian fighting troops from the XVII Dynasty(after c. 1500 B.C.). They were employed in close conjunction with light shields, NewKingdom, c. 1300 B. C. This short stick of 4 feet in length was fitted at one end with awooden hook which is termed HAND GRIP. Egyptian soldiers of 1500 BC used only oneend of a staff, 4 feet in length, whereas ancient Tamil warriors used both ends of a staff,the staff having a length a little less than the height of the performer, for defensive andoffensive maneuvers. A painted Limestone (15) another exhibit in the British Museum,London reveals: Part of a scene shows ancient Egyptian warrior carrying a battle-axe, astaff and a bow (1490 B.C.).One could conclude that staff fights might have beenprevalent in Egypt around 1490 B.C. The Tamil Holy Bible (17) mentions the reliance ofDavid the Shepard boy on God’s KOL (long staff) and THADI (short staff). Biblicalverses (18), (19), & (20) transport one to chivalric days of staff fights and spear duelingof 30 valiant men of King David dating back to 1,000 B.C. Egyptians and Hebrew Kingsmight have had many cultural exchanges including Silambam with the Dravidians ofSouth India during their sea trades (21). A Tamil Poetic stanza (22) describes: DravidianKings fielded always soldiers of foot regiments, armed with staves called THANDUPADAI, meaning a regiment armed with Silambam Staves in Tamil. E. A. Khan (23)documents the fusion of Dravidian Martial Sports with the culture of Aryans. During theVedic Age, a young Indian was given training to defend himself with the staff or aDANDU in case of emergency and a ritual called DHANDA-PRADHANA wasassociated with it. The word DANDU both in Tamil and Sanskrit denotes a staff. In YajurVeda, we find references to Dandu (LATHI in Hindi). Vagbhata-Sootsrahstan, Canto 2and Sushruta-Chikitsasthan Canto 24 verse 76 in Yajur Veda relate pragmatic uses of Dandurather than detailing the wielding techniques of Dandu or Lathi and the footwork involved init. After the Aryans, foreign invaders such as Ahasuerus (24), the King of Media andPersia as well as Alexander the Great, the Masidonian King invaded India in 486-484 and328 BC respectively. Use of lances (staves, fitted with metal endings which are off shootsof Silambam) and swords are reported to have been wielded during the hot battle by thesoldiers of Elephant corps of the Hindu King Porus of India against the armies ofAlexander, the Great. An extraordinary silver decadrachm (25) records the wielding ofthe lances by the soldiers of King Porus on elephant back during the retreat of Porus.

HISTORY OF SILAMBAM FENCING AFTER CHRIST

According to Silappathikaram (26), a Tamil classic of the 2nd Century A.D., ashopping center of Madurai City the citadel of King Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan, attractedthe sale of Silambam staves as well as armour of battles, etc. to many foreign traders.Also, it records the victories of Dhera, Chola and Pandya Kings against Aryan Kings. It isall because of the sound military system of their soldiers who had probably been trainedwith great care in Silambam and Sword fencing. Narasimha Varman I (27), a PallavaDravidian King (630 – 680 AD) defeated Pulakesin II and seized Badavi his capitalbecause of the brave command of Paranjothi, his War General, an exponent in sword andsilambam. Raja Raja Chola conquered Maldive Islands whereas Rajendra Chola capturedthe capital of Sri Vijaya (Palembang of Sumatra Island) and of Kadaram (Keda of theWest Coast of Malaya). A technique adopted by Rajendra Chola in swordsmanship and

Silambam spear fencing is reported to be VIJAYAVAAL (slashing the spear and swordon the facial targets) (28) used in his naval and army warfares. Hence, Cholas had animperial sway from 815 to 1200 AD. The wall paintings of the Chola Royal Courts giveevidence for the sponsorship of Chola Kings for wrestling competitions. After the reignof Mohammed Bin Tuglak (1325-1351 AD) Vijayanagar Empire under the rule ofKrishna Deva Raya offered a united front against the Muslim conquests. Sculptures of thewalls of Vijaya Nagar represent KOLATTAM (stick play), as well as Gladiatorialcombats (29). Professional wrestlers called Jettis practiced and taught in Garadi (30), akind of gymnasium. Silambam fencing is variously called KARADI AATTAM (31), orKOLU VILAYATTU or KATTA SAMU at present in the city of Vijayanagaram.Calavai Ariyanathar (32), an expert Silambam Fencer was hailed to the position of WarGeneral by Krishna Devaraya. Muslim advances were checked until 1526 AD.Vijayanagar Empire lost its power after the battle of Talai Kottai. Shivaji, a Maratta Kingof Dravida Nadu made the Sultan of Bijapur and Emperor Aurangazib strike retreatsbecause of his advanced warfare techniques in swordsmanship and Lathi (staff) fencingas well as his well-armed forts including the Rockfort at Trichy.

Ziegenbalg (33) and Fabricius (34) in rendering New and Old Testaments of theHoly Bible in Tamil in 1715 and 1782 respectively used the same word SILAMBAM intranslating the words ‘fight’ and ‘play’. This shows the popularity of Silambam. While aPapyrus Tamil manuscript MAVAI PALLU (35) of the 18th Century refers to the‘Straight Hit’ and Round-About Hit’, the two techniques of Silambam, a Tamil Medicalwork, Pathartha Guna Chinthamani, (36) documents health aspects of Silambam.Veerapandia Kattabomman (1760 – 1799) (37), a War General of Panjaalankurichi Fort,won over British Armies many times by his skills of swordsmanship and silambam fights,until the British opened up the fire arms such as canons and bullets against him and hisarmies. A large British Cemetery at the precincts of his Fort is a memorable historicalrelic for his victories over the British. Although the Britishers banned (38) Indians usingthis modus operandi their zeal made them practice fights with sugarcane sticks whichthey pretended to eat, when they were caught.

After the Independence of India (August 15, 1947) Silambam got resurrected.Silambam: Technique and Evaluation (39) – a Master’s Degree Thesis, 1967; Origin andHistorical Development of Silambam Fencing: An ancient Self Defence Sport of India, aPh.D. Dissertation (40), 1977; Book Publications such as, Silambam: Technique andEvaluation (English) (41), 1971; Silambam: Adimuraigalum Varalarum (Tamil) (42),1973 and Silambam Fencing from India (English) (43), 1975 added to the literarycontributions on this Sport.. Presentation of research papers on the historical aspects ofSilambam at the second (44) and fifth (45) International Conference Seminars of TamilStudies have voiced Silambam at the respective International circles. Offering Beginning,Intermediate and Advance Courses on Silambam Fencing in USA (46), founding ofInternational Silambam Fencing Association (47) and the participation of first ever IndianSilambam Team (48) in the Festival of India in USSR in September 1987 are few of thesignal historic achievements in the domain of Silambam Fencing. Quite recently, 14 laws(49) of Silambam control the contests. Youngsters are turning now in great numbers toexcel in Silambam. It is also popular in the Film World.

RESULTS

This Historical study has unearthed the origin ans historical development ofSilambam Fencing from the pre-historic period to the 20th Century through a broadsurvey of library research; no doubt with many historical gaps to be filled in later byscholars.

REFERENCES

1) Bartholomew Ziegenbald. (1782). New Testament (trans.) (Tamil).Tranquebar: Tranquebar Mission. I Corinthians 9:26 (33).

2) David Manuel Raj, J. (1973). Silambam: Adimuraigalum veralarum (Tamil). TheAuthor, Professor, Alagappa College of Physical Education, Tamil Nadu, India.(42) : 200; (44): v.

3) David Manuel Raj, J. (1975). Silambam fencing from India. The Author,Professor, Alagappa College of Physical Education, Tamil Nadu, India. (31) : 3;(32) : 39; (38) : 29; (43) : 180.

4) David Manual Raj, J. (1967). Silambam: Technique and evaluation. MPE Degree.This submitted to Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India. (39).

5) David Manuel Raj, J. (1971). Silambam: Technique & evaluation. The Author,Professor, Alagappa College of Physical Education, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu,India. (41).

6) David Manuel Raj, J. (1977). The laws and officiating of silambam fencing ofIndia. The Author, Principal, YMCA College of Physical Education, Madras,Tamil Nadu, India. (47) : 17 – 24; (49) : 5 – 16.

7) David Manuel Raj, J. (1988). Log book on silambam fencing. The Author,‘Carmel,’ YMCA College Campus, Madras 600035, India (45) : 15.

8) David Manuel Raj, J. (1977). The origin and the historical development ofsilambam fencing: An ancient self-defense sport of India. Ph.D. dissertationsubmitted to the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA. (1): 91; (6) : 122 –123; (21) : 50; (26) : 68 – 69; (27): 74; (28) : 76; (40) : 1- 154; (46) : 88.

9) Devaneya Paavanar, G. (1966). Letter dated September 14, 1966. Professor ofTamil, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu India. (36).

10) Durgadoss Swamy, S.K. and Valithunairam, S. (1958). VeerapandiaKattabomman. Madras-24: Prema Publishing Co. (37) : 25.

11) Eraj Ahmed Khan. (1964). History of physical education. Patna: Scientific BookCompany. (23) : 318.

12) Exhibit: Glass case number 5487. Egyptian Gallery, British Museum, London,U.K. (15).

13) Exhibit: Glass case number 1828. Egyptian Gallery, British Museum, London,U.K. (16).

14) Fabricius. (1782). Old testament (trans.) (Tamil). Tranquebar: TranquebarMission. (17) : Psalm 23:4; (18) : I Chronicles 11:20; (19): I Chronicles 11:22;(20): I Chronicles 11:23; (24) : Esther 1:1; (34) : II Samuel 2:14.

15) Kanthiah Pillai, N.C. (1959). Tamil India. Madras: Tirunelveli South India S SNoorpathippu Kazhagam Ltd. (11) : 69.

16) Kantiah Pillai, N.C. (1972). Tamilaham. Madras: Tirunelveli Saiva SidhthanthaNoorpathippu Kazhagam Ltd. (7) : 130; (8) : 40.

17) Maria Michael Asan. (1977). Manuscript on silambam fencing. ParasakthiMaruththuva Salai, 53 South Car Street, Tirunelveli. (10).

18) Nagarajan, R. (1987). Festival of India in USSR – Silambam fencing.Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, Madras600 084, India. (48) : 19 – 22.

19) Paranjothi Munivar. (1937). Thiruvilayadal puranam: koolamum urayum (Tamil)Madras: Murugavel Book Salai. (22) : Madurai Thirunagar Padalam, Stanza 72.

20) Pulavar Ramanathan. (1977). Letter dated February 5, 1977. Principal, TamilCollege, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India. (9).

21) Purnalingam Pillai, M.S. (1963). Tamil India. Madras : The South India SaivaSidhantha Works Publishing Society Ltd. (5) : 1.

22) Rajagopalan, K. (1962). A brief history of physical education in India. Delhi:Army Publishers. (3) : 1; (4) : 16; (14) : 87; (29) : 192; (30) : 195.

23) Rapson, E. J. (ed.). (1922). The Cambridge history of India. New York: TheMcMillan Co. Vol. 1. (2) : 593; (12) & (13): 594; (25) : 389.

24) Sethuragunathan, N. (1966). Letter dated October 5, 1966. Professor of Tamil,VHNSN College, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India. (35).

Prof. Dr. J. David Manuel Raj, ____________________Former Principal (1977 – 1986) YMCA College ofPhysical Education Campus, Chennai – 35, India