The Origin & Historical Development of Silambam Fencing

1988 by Dr. David Manuel Raj

Contact: david.manuelraj@redifmail.com; cell phone # 9884061557 or 9840020766
This research paper written in 1988 by Dr. David Manuel Raj, pictured below, was
selected by the xxiv Seoul Olympic Scientific Congress (South Korea) and scheduled to
be read on September 10, 1988 at one of the seminar halls at the Danhook University
Campus 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 sound
produced when an elastic cane bamboo, uniform in cross section and of a length which is
a little less than that of the performer, is brandished with power and hit against another in
the process of dueling (1).
The purpose of this study was to trace the origin and the historical development of
Silambam Fencing, a Dravidian Martial Sport of Tamil civilization, India from pre-
historic time to the 20
th
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, the
greater part of India was inhabited by Dravidians. Rajagopalan, K. (3) writes: Stick fight
(Silambam Fencing) of Dravidians using cane bamboos is predominantly a prehistoric
method of defense and attack. Paleolithic and Neolithic man found it quite handy in
South 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 South
India right from the Stone Age. According to Tamil India (5) palm-leaf called EADU was
used by ancient Dravidians to inscribe Tamil literature including Silambam materials
with the help of a traditional iron stylus called ELUTHUTANI (Tamil). Some scholars
specializing in Sangam Tamil literature assert that Agasthiars included Silambam as one
of the 64 ancient arts (6). A legendary Agasthian seems to have written an ancient Tamil
Work AGATHITHIYAM. Tolkappiam (300 BC), the first grammar work in Tamil
reported to have been composed by one of the twelve disciples of Agasthian (7) is the
forerunner of the Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvana Vedas arranged by Vedasyasar, says
Nachchnaarkiniar (8). Senavurayar (9) interpret[ation of] the 81
st
stanza of CHOL
ATHIGARAM in Tolkappiam shows the existence of Silambakkodams (akin to a
modern gymnasium wherein Martial Sports were taught). Silambam seems to have
flourished even before 300 BC. Silambam fencing materials collated from Maria
Michael Asan (10) might have been passed on to him from generation to generation
either 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 before
the migration of the Aryans into India (2000 to 1500 BC). Dravidian Tamil Princes of the
olden days are said to be trained in Silambam, Horse Riding, and Sword fencing and we
find evidence of this in many legendary writings. Rapson (12) opines: Long before the
beginning of the Christian era, the Dravidian South had constituted themselves into
powerful kingdoms, some of which carried on thriving trades with Western Asia, Egypt
and later with Greek and Roman Empires. Rapson (13) and Rajagopalan (14) make it
clear that the Tyrians, Hebrews, Western Asians, Far East Islanders, Egyptians, Greeks,
Romans and Babylonians traded with South Indians. An exhibit (15) of British Museum
cites 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, New
Kingdom, c. 1300 B. C. This short stick of 4 feet in length was fitted at one end with a
wooden hook which is termed HAND GRIP. Egyptian soldiers of 1500 BC used only one
end 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 and
offensive 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, a
staff and a bow (1490 B.C.).One could conclude that staff fights might have been
prevalent in Egypt around 1490 B.C. The Tamil Holy Bible (17) mentions the reliance of
David the Shepard boy on Gods KOL (long staff) and THADI (short staff). Biblical
verses (18), (19), & (20) transport one to chivalric days of staff fights and spear dueling
of 30 valiant men of King David dating back to 1,000 B.C. Egyptians and Hebrew Kings
might have had many cultural exchanges including Silambam with the Dravidians of
South India during their sea trades (21). A Tamil Poetic stanza (22) describes: Dravidian
Kings fielded always soldiers of foot regiments, armed with staves called THANDU
PADAI, 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 the
Vedic Age, a young Indian was given training to defend himself with the staff or a
DANDU in case of emergency and a ritual called DHANDA-PRADHANA was
associated with it. The word DANDU both in Tamil and Sanskrit denotes a staff. In Yajur
Veda, we find references to Dandu (LATHI in Hindi). Vagbhata-Sootsrahstan, Canto 2
and Sushruta-Chikitsasthan Canto 24 verse 76 in Yajur Veda relate pragmatic uses of Dandu
rather than detailing the wielding techniques of Dandu or Lathi and the footwork involved in
it. After the Aryans, foreign invaders such as Ahasuerus (24), the King of Media and
Persia as well as Alexander the Great, the Masidonian King invaded India in 486-484 and
328 BC respectively. Use of lances (staves, fitted with metal endings which are off shoots
of Silambam) and swords are reported to have been wielded during the hot battle by the
soldiers of Elephant corps of the Hindu King Porus of India against the armies of
Alexander, the Great. An extraordinary silver decadrachm (25) records the wielding of
the 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 2
nd
Century A.D., a
shopping center of Madurai City the citadel of King Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan, attracted
the 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 is
all because of the sound military system of their soldiers who had probably been trained
with great care in Silambam and Sword fencing. Narasimha Varman I (27), a Pallava
Dravidian King (630 680 AD) defeated Pulakesin II and seized Badavi his capital
because of the brave command of Paranjothi, his War General, an exponent in sword and
silambam. Raja Raja Chola conquered Maldive Islands whereas Rajendra Chola captured
the capital of Sri Vijaya (Palembang of Sumatra Island) and of Kadaram (Keda of the
West Coast of Malaya). A technique adopted by Rajendra Chola in swordsmanship and
Silambam spear fencing is reported to be VIJAYAVAAL (slashing the spear and sword
on the facial targets) (28) used in his naval and army warfares. Hence, Cholas had an
imperial sway from 815 to 1200 AD. The wall paintings of the Chola Royal Courts give
evidence for the sponsorship of Chola Kings for wrestling competitions. After the reign
of Mohammed Bin Tuglak (1325-1351 AD) Vijayanagar Empire under the rule of
Krishna Deva Raya offered a united front against the Muslim conquests. Sculptures of the
walls of Vijaya Nagar represent KOLATTAM (stick play), as well as Gladiatorial
combats (29). Professional wrestlers called Jettis practiced and taught in Garadi (30), a
kind of gymnasium. Silambam fencing is variously called KARADI AATTAM (31), or
KOLU VILAYATTU or KATTA SAMU at present in the city of Vijayanagaram.
Calavai Ariyanathar (32), an expert Silambam Fencer was hailed to the position of War
General by Krishna Devaraya. Muslim advances were checked until 1526 AD.
Vijayanagar Empire lost its power after the battle of Talai Kottai. Shivaji, a Maratta King
of Dravida Nadu made the Sultan of Bijapur and Emperor Aurangazib strike retreats
because of his advanced warfare techniques in swordsmanship and Lathi (staff) fencing
as well as his well-armed forts including the Rockfort at Trichy.
Ziegenbalg (33) and Fabricius (34) in rendering New and Old Testaments of the
Holy Bible in Tamil in 1715 and 1782 respectively used the same word SILAMBAM in
translating the words fight and play. This shows the popularity of Silambam. While a
Papyrus Tamil manuscript MAVAI PALLU (35) of the 18
th
Century refers to the
Straight Hit and Round-About Hit, the two techniques of Silambam, a Tamil Medical
work, 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 his
armies. A large British Cemetery at the precincts of his Fort is a memorable historical
relic for his victories over the British. Although the Britishers banned (38) Indians using
this modus operandi their zeal made them practice fights with sugarcane sticks which
they pretended to eat, when they were caught.
After the Independence of India (August 15, 1947) Silambam got resurrected.
Silambam: Technique and Evaluation (39) a Masters Degree Thesis, 1967; Origin and
Historical Development of Silambam Fencing: An ancient Self Defence Sport of India, a
Ph.D. Dissertation (40), 1977; Book Publications such as, Silambam: Technique and
Evaluation (English) (41), 1971; Silambam: Adimuraigalum Varalarum (Tamil) (42),
1973 and Silambam Fencing from India (English) (43), 1975 added to the literary
contributions on this Sport.. Presentation of research papers on the historical aspects of
Silambam at the second (44) and fifth (45) International Conference Seminars of Tamil
Studies have voiced Silambam at the respective International circles. Offering Beginning,
Intermediate and Advance Courses on Silambam Fencing in USA (46), founding of
International Silambam Fencing Association (47) and the participation of first ever Indian
Silambam Team (48) in the Festival of India in USSR in September 1987 are few of the
signal 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 to
excel in Silambam. It is also popular in the Film World.
RESULTS
This Historical study has unearthed the origin ans historical development of
Silambam Fencing from the pre-historic period to the 20
th
Century through a broad
survey of library research; no doubt with many historical gaps to be filled in later by
scholars.
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). The
Author, 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 of
India. 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 of
silambam fencing: An ancient self-defense sport of India. Ph.D. dissertation
submitted 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 of
Tamil, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu India. (36).
10) Durgadoss Swamy, S.K. and Valithunairam, S. (1958). Veerapandia
Kattabomman. Madras-24: Prema Publishing Co. (37) : 25.
11) Eraj Ahmed Khan. (1964). History of physical education. Patna: Scientific Book
Company. (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: Tranquebar
Mission. (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 S
Noorpathippu Kazhagam Ltd. (11) : 69.
16) Kantiah Pillai, N.C. (1972). Tamilaham. Madras: Tirunelveli Saiva Sidhthantha
Noorpathippu Kazhagam Ltd. (7) : 130; (8) : 40.
17) Maria Michael Asan. (1977). Manuscript on silambam fencing. Parasakthi
Maruththuva 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, Madras
600 084, 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, Tamil
College, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India. (9).
21) Purnalingam Pillai, M.S. (1963). Tamil India. Madras : The South India Saiva
Sidhantha 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: The
McMillan 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 of
Physical Education Campus, Chennai 35, India