Adimurai
![]() Adimurai mock combat | |
Also known as | Adithada |
---|---|
Focus | Striking, blocking |
Hardness | Full-contact, semi-contact |
Country of origin | India |
Creator | Traditionally Siddhars |
Olympic sport | No |
Meaning | Law of hitting[1] |
Adimurai (Tamil: அடிமுறை) is an Indian martial art originating in modern-day Kanyakumari, the southernmost region in India. It was traditionally practiced in the Kanyakumari district of modern-day Tamil Nadu as well as nearby areas in southeastern Kerala. Its preliminary empty-hand techniques are called Adithada and application of vital points are called Varma Adi, although these terms are sometimes interchangeably used to refer to the martial art itself.[1] Adimurai is a portmanteau in the Tamil language where adi means "to hit or strike" and murai means method or procedure. In modern period it is used alongside other Tamil martial arts.[2]
History
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2021) |
Adithadi is a non-lethal version of Adimurai which was developed in the Tamilakam region of ancient India. It saw most of its practice in the Chola and Pandya kingdoms, where preliminary empty hand techniques were used.[3]
Practice
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2021) |
Adimurai is traditionally practiced outdoors or in unroofed areas. It is mainly practiced by Kallars, Thevars, Nadar and the Vishwakarma (caste) of southern Tamil Nadu.[4]
In pop culture
Adimurai was depicted in the film Pattas (2020) starring Dhanush, directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar.[5][6]
See also
References
- ^ a b Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1998). When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses, and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art. Oxford University Press. p. 27 - 29. ISBN 978-0-19-563940-7. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Raj, J. David Manuel (1977). The Origin and the Historical Development of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defence Sport of India. Oregon: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon. pp. 44, 50, 83.
- ^ Luijendijk, D.H. (2005) Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art, Paladin Press, ISBN 1-58160-480-7
- ^ Zarilli, Philip B. (2001). "India". In Green, Thomas A. (ed.). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia. A – L. Vol. 1. ABC-CLIO. p. 177. ISBN 978-1-57607-150-2.
- ^ "Dhanush's 'Pattas' is on ancient Tamil martial art!". Sify.com. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ "Dhanush's 'Pattas' is based on 'Adimurai'". Sify.com. Retrieved 15 January 2020.