By The Indian subcontinent has been home to many martial arts, some as old as civilisation itself. Some even suggest that the world-renowned Chinese martial art Kung-Fu also had a kickstart in India when an Indian monk travelled to China and took the art of kalarippayattu with him. However, one martial art that not many people know about is Mardani Khel. It is an ancient form of armed martial art that originated in the Deccan region of India, particularly in Maharashtra. This battle-hardened practice, synonymous with valour and military prowess, was instrumental in defining the military strategies of one of India’s most revered kings, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rooted deeply in the culture of the Maratha people, Mardani Khel became much more than just a combat technique; it was a way of life that symbolised resistance, resilience, and unity.
Origin of Mardani Khel
The term “Mardani” translates to “bravery” or “manliness”, and “Khel” to “game” or “play”, but don’t be misled by its name. Mardani Khel is far from a mere game. This martial art, with its lethal techniques, was designed to train warriors in the art of war. Its origins can be traced back to the tribal and feudal systems of the Deccan region, where warrior clans such as the Marathas honed their fighting skills in the face of constant conflict and territorial disputes.
Initially, Mardani Khel was an informal system of combat that involved the use of various weapons, including swords (talwar), Bagh Naak (Tiger Claw), Khukari, spears (bhala), bamboo staffs (laathi), daggers (bichwa), and shields (dhal). This fighting style was developed to be highly adaptive, considering the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats and the guerrilla warfare tactics that Marathas later became famous for. The region’s dense forests, steep mountains, and open plains influenced the need for flexibility, swiftness, and endurance in battle, all of which are central to Mardani Khel.
Why Did Shivaji Choose It?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary warrior king and founder of the Maratha Empire, recognised the importance of a martial system that suited both the geography of his domain and the socio-political challenges of his time. While the Mughal Empire and other feudal powers relied heavily on large armies and cavalry, Shivaji’s vision differed. He needed a fighting force that could engage in quick, decisive strikes and retreat into the safety of the hills without being followed. In short, one can say that Shivaji was the first person to develop a special force for warfare.
Mardani Khel, with its focus on agility, armed combat, and guerrilla tactics, was the ideal martial art for his forces as they mostly fought in jungles and places with tough terrain. It allowed smaller groups of Maratha warriors, known as Mavlas, to attack larger, better-equipped armies through swift and strategic manoeuvres. The Mavlas, primarily from the hilly regions of Maharashtra, were trained to ambush enemy forces, using their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage. Mardani Khel, thus, became the backbone of Shivaji’s army, enabling him to defy the might of the Mughal Empire and other adversaries.
The Role Of Mardani Khel In Empowering Women
Contrary to popular belief, Shivaji favoured women in the army. While mardani khel was primarily a male-dominated art, women were equally a part of it. So much so that you can say that the only reason males dominated it is because there were a lot more males than females. Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji Maharaj, was known for her mastery of the art, and she played a vital role in instilling the art and the values of courage in her son.
Some might find it hard to believe, but in the Marathas, women were expected to guard their homes and families when the males were away, especially during an invasion. With the help of mardani khel, the Maratha women were equipped with all the skills they needed to defend themselves and their families.
Rani Tarabai, Shivaji’s daughter-in-law and a formidable leader in her own right, was known to have encouraged the practice of Mardani Khel among women. The art form, therefore, became a symbol of both feminine and masculine strength in the Maratha Empire. It was not uncommon for women to wield swords and shields alongside their male counterparts, challenging the gender norms of even today, which only goes on to prove that Marathas were way ahead of us when it comes to equality. Women’s empowerment through martial arts remains a crowning jewel of Shivaji’s reign.
Mardani Khel’s Impact on Marathas’ Future
At the height of its practice, Mardani Khel was not just a means of self-defence; it was a tool for preserving the sovereignty and cultural identity of the Marathas. Mardani Khel’s survival and prominence continued well beyond Shivaji’s time, as it became a symbol of resistance against foreign domination, including during British colonial rule. Today, Mardani Khel is recognised as an important cultural heritage, and efforts are being made to revive and preserve it as part of Maharashtra’s rich history.
An Inspiration For Millions, Still Standing
Mardani Khel is a testament to the martial ingenuity of the Marathas and the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was more than a mere combat system; it was a philosophy of warfare and survival that empowered men and women to defend their homeland from the barbaric invaders who knew nothing but how to spill blood.
