SILAMBATTAM (see photographs 1,7,14)

This is very popular form of martial art, which has survived the tests of time. The name is derived from the whishing and whooshing noise created by the movement of the pole used in this combat. Generally youth and middle aged men involve in this. They fight with long bamboo poles. During the fight one has to protect oneself from being hit from by the opposite pole.

MARPOR / MALYUTHAM (see photographs 15)
This similar to the western wrestling. It is placed among the 64 arts listed in ancient literature. The art reached its zenith in Tamilnadu during the Pallava period. Here the oponents wrestle with each other, attempting to push the other down. Various rules of the game apply to the procedure.

SPEAR-THROWING (see photograph 16)
This also similar to bow and arrow usage. Here the spear is thrown at target and hitting it perfectly is deemed as success. Spear throwing was also one of the martial arts.

ARCHERY (see photograph 17)
Archery was unknown all over India from as early as Vedic period. All the heros of the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharatha, were skilled archers. In Tamilnadu, the art was well developed during the Chola period. Stone inscriptions dating back to 1009 prove the existence of archery in Tamilnadu from ancient days.

SWORD FIGHT (see photographs 18)
This martial art was famous all over India. It has been mentioned in the great epics of the country, like Ramayana and Mahabharatha. In Tamilnadu, this art reached its zenith during the Chola period. In this the opponent fight using swords, protecting themselves from the swing of the other's sword, at the same time trying to wound the other with their own sword.

KAIKUTHU SANDAI/ GUSTHI (see photographs 19)
This is another form of boxing, slightly varied from wrestling. In this, the fighters rain bows on each other, thus attempting the floor them. This also, like wrestling, was taught in Kalaris. Such skilled warriors can defend themselves with bare hands against any weapon. The picture shows a young man overcoming an opponent armed with a knife.

GYMNASTICS (see photographs 20, 21)
This activity is more entertainment than martial in nature. The artiste performs various tricks using agility and skills of movement. Two or more persons can also join together and perform many thrilling acts. Muscular development, control, quickness, balance, strength, perfect timing are some of the essential qualities of this art.

CURLED SWORD (see photographs 22)
The curled sword has thin, tensile blades of steel, attached to a handle. When it is swung at the opponent, the blades unfurl, slicing through the flesh. A very dangerous and versatile weapon. It needs a lot of practice and dexterity to wield this weapon.

DEER HORN FIGHTING (see photographs 3,4)
In this, the weapon is fashioned from razor-sharp deer horns. The weapon is held either in one hand or at times, one in each hand. Quick movements of twisting and turning can protect oneself while thrusting and plugging movements are used in attack. When used skillfully, the weapon can be used against an opponent armed with knife, dagger, poles, etc.,

BURNING TORCH GAMES (see photographs 8)
The artist literally plays with fire. Many methods of skillful display are performed in this art. A long pole of flexibility is chosen. At either end, cloth soaked in oil is tightly wrapped into a ball and set on fire. The performer holds the pole and twirls it to create a magnificent display of light and fire.

URIMARAM ERUTHAL
This art involves gymnastic skill and perseverance. At the top of a tall pole, pot filled with coloured water us tied. The bark if the pole is tripped off and the trunk is rubbed well with oil to make it as possible as slippery as possible.