"MALLAKHAMB" – A Great Traditional Ancient Art of Indian Physical Culture.

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Introduction:-

The art of mallakhamb is one of the most ancient art in the field of physical culture. It is the scientific and systematic methodology in acquiring a sound body and mind.

“Will Power” and “Strength Within”, associated with perfect physical fitness, makes a man more inspired in thriving for his earthly mission. A strong and healthy body alone can cherish a strong and healthy mind.

This universal truth of a healthy body and mind was thoroughly understood and accepted by our ancestors right from the evolution of the human race, and they were practicing “Yogasanas”, Surya Namaskar, long walking in fresh air and swimming in streams , rivers or oceans.

One of the main reasons for attaining all these qualities and virtues can be attributed to the magic Mallakhamb culture , the inseparable oneness of Hanuman with this divine art. As it is , monkey tribes inhabit the jungles. Their abode is trees and creepers . Jumping, aerobatics, swinging, sleeping, hanging and playing either singly or in a group, all these are their routine activities. Similarly, awakeness, vigilance and untiring activity are their inborn habits or natural characteristics.

Viewing these inherent qualities of the monkey tribe and the outstanding feats derabad of  Mahabali Hanuman in the Ramayana, it is rightly presumed that the originator and promoter of the art of “Mallakhamb” could have been none else but Hanuman.

Significance of the word “Mallakhamb”

This contention is further strengthened by a historical event of the 19^th century. Besides the ancient depicts of  archaeological surveys, old paintings or carvings, a short description and pictorial representation of certain exercises similar to Mallakhamb , can also be traced in the 12^th century Classic, “Manasolhas”, written by Chalukya (1135 A.D) The historical events of the 19^th century , during the Peshwa  regine, does support the Balbhim  Hanuman’s originality in this originality in this unique art. Initially , it is important to know the significance of the word “Mallakhamb”. “Malla” denotes a man of power of strength and “Khamb” signifies a pole. Thus , Mallakhamb is an apparatus by means of which a gymnast builds his physical culture. There are numerous types of apparatus or appliances for building up physical culture but none so universal or all-round amazing tool which would get a person all the physical and mental benefits.

Revival of Mallakhmab Story

In the 19^th century, during the regime of Bajirao Peshwa II of Deccan, Maharashtra , this culture of art was revived by a wrestler called Guru Balambhattdada Deodhar. He was a renowned disciple of Ustad Raghobadada of Pune. (Ustad or Vastad implies a superior physical coach). The story or the legend attributed to the revival of this unique feat of  Mallakhamb is as follows:

Two victorious and notable wrestlers called Ali and Gulab from the Nizam of Hyderabad once came to the darbar of Shrimat Bajirao Peshwa . They threw open a challenge to the state wrestlers by calling for a bout. They believed that they will have no match for them in Maratha State and would get a certificate for their supremacy. But a young lad of 18 named Guru Balambhattdada Deodhar accepted their challenge . Hew was given one month’s time for preparation. During this period, he went to the Goddess called “Saptashringi Devi”, in Nasik District. This temple is surrounded by seven peaks of hills and a thick forest . Most devotionally he subdued himself to the deity and very sincerely started practicing yoga and tricks of wrestling. Thus, he remained constantly vigilant and fully concentrated on his task ahead . Similar to the story of Eklavya and  Dronacharya of Mahabharata, this devotee of unshaken will remain fully engrossed in his dreams of success. His meditation was so deep that at one moment a divine flash adorned his vision. He saw Lord Hanuman demonstrating on a wooden pole a few tricks of the bout and the secret of success to be used on the day of the bout against the rivals. He was spellbound and absorbed the hints and tips fully. By this he acquired divine inspiration, vision and force. In the same way, he too practiced the tricks continuously on the wooden pole and became fully confident and resourceful to fight.

With his masterly tricks the hero Balambhattdada humbled down the two proud and powerful mallas of Hyderabad.

Since then the art of Mallakhamb became rejuvenated and gained wide publicity and extensive popularity among gymnasts.

Mallakhamb – Apparatus.

There are so many other apparatus in India and abroad for physical culture, but none is worth comparable with Mallakhamb. Mallakhamb of a standard size, used in the field of competitions is a straight wooden (Teak or Sheesham) Pole, 2.60ms.in height with a circumference of 55cms.at the base and gradually tapers to the shoulder, 35 cms. In the circumference. The neck above the shoulder is 20 cms. Both girth and height and has a knob at the top of 7 cms.height with an equatorial circumference of 35 cms.

How is it Performed:

For the purpose of competition , the pole is firmly fixed into the playground and has a totally smooth surface . Castor oil is applied to it in order to reduce friction and prevent abrasive injuries to the body of the player. The player or performer who mounts over the power , numerous poses and postures , which cover various awkwatrd twists , turns, hooks, grips, catches and hanging positions. Besides these, a number of asana posture and aerobatic feats are also performed.

Forms

Today, wide ranges of Mallakhamb are in vogue. The forms of Mallakhamb are vivid and magnificent too. Generally Mallakhamb competitions are conducted with the above mentioned standard type Mallakhamb of a long fixed wooden pole. But there are other varieties also , such as a short fixed pole , suspended or hanging single or double poles, a horizontal pole, an unsupported stationary or non-stationary pole, a banana or a plantain trunk, sugar-cane or palm trunk and a suspended rope Mallakhamb .

Feats

Mallakhamb feats are also experimented, tying slaggers, knives and swords to the parts of the body and also by holding swords in both the hands. Demonstrations are awe inspiring when players carry kindled lights or wax candles in their hands and on their heads or foreheads. The candles are sometimes substituted by glass filled with water or oil lamps with a wick. It is also demonstrated by experts, by keeping it on a plank or small table supported by bottles, one at each corner. Sometimes, it is place on the back of an elephant or at times on bullock carts or four- wheeled vehicles and demonstrated in processions.

A Different Form of Exercise

Mallakhamb is altogether a different form of exercise than the normal or common systems of exercises. It is considered to be a perfect exercise because it is inter- mingled with various poses and postures of yogasanas. It is not a hectic or jerky exercise and gradually develops all the physical and mental faculties of the human bodies. The benefits are innumerable. Practically, in all the other exercises there is monotony and one gets tired after sometime. Mallakhamb is a systematic, scientific and very methodical mode of physical exercise. It gives exercise to each and every organ or limb of the body. It imparts proper tone and form to every muscle and perfect control over each part or limb of the body.

The conspicuous features

The conspicuous features of Mallakhamb exercise are its vivid artistic tricks and feats. Like other exercises, there is no weariness of movement . every part from tip to toe of body gets proper justice and activeness. There are various grips and catches involving a network of hands and feet by which magnificient postures are exhibited. The grace and beauty are very much enhanced by the balanced and well controlled transitions, turns, bends and coils. Mallakhamb exercise thus proves superior to many other modes and types of exercises. This exercise in particular stimulates the mind and builds the body. In other words, it imparts un fading luster and un failing power to the exercise of fast breathing or hectic types of games, there is stress and strain on the body and heart impairing the body and mind. On the contrary, in mallakhamb exercise the mind remain calm and composed. The controlled and rhythmic breathing and smooth balanced movements help a lot in developing the mental and physical faculties of our bodies.

The retentive abilities of the mind, and the positive and constructive thinking power of an individual are much advanced. The inner force is stimulated to actuate once cherished task or duty. One remains always energetic, cheerful and active. The magnificent display of artistic and difficult feats shows the value of patience coupled with deep concentration.

It imparts adequate exercise to the sinews, joints and the vertebral column, thus ensuring perfect health and longevity. The arm-holds and the upper hand grips help to develop powerful wrists, strong forearms and muscular biceps and triceps. The clinging grips of the fingers, palms and toes render the nerves and muscles strong and powerful. The acrobatic nature of the feats improves the sense of judgment and the hectic swings, jumps or a somersault promotes toughness or fearlessness. By the hanging and swinging events, the neuro- muscular co-ordination is enhanced. The light jerks and jumps, gradually tone the lungs and improve the efficiency of the respiratory organs. The forwards and backward bends during the display help to accomplish the healthy functioning of the kidney, spleen, liver, pancreas and urinary systems. The balancing a activities like lifting and resting the body at various angles, tone the ligaments of the spine, vertebral column, knees, elbows, ankles, neck and shoulders. It is a noteworthy fact that the various movements or actions done in the course of a performance bestow good health and physique to the performer. It gives a perfect Herculean body with vigor, vitality and well balanced functioning of routine activities.

Mallakhamb and Yoga

The riding, gliding, sliding and winding compositions of the Mallakhamb events and the vertical, horizontal and angular positions staged during the display almost cover most of the important yoga asana series or exercises. The breathing technique and pranayama sequences are automatically being exercised and the yogic principles are unconsciously indulged into the best of their advantages. This meaningful, rhythmic and colorful play of Mallakhamb has no other parallel or superior all round exercise. The basic principle of yoga therapy are well controlled and harmonious breathing, deep and prolonged breathing and a tranquil and calm state of the mind. Certain “Bandhas” are also advocated in yogic culture and the same are automatically being practiced during Mallakhamb activity, as such, practically most of the yogic lessons are covered in the course of a Mallakhmab performance.

Mallakhmab and Other Exercises

In other types of exercises, the pulse beats are faster or irregular, resulting in adverse palpitation, unwarranted strain on the heart, etc….but deep and controlled breathing, scientific muscle controlling and systematic movements of the body in Mallakhamb exercises affect the collective desired values for the power of resistance against diseases.

Medicinal Values

Even the advanced medical sciences have realized these superior advantages of Mallakhamb and accepted this culture as the most efficient art. It is an established fact that due to regular and scientific practice of the series of Mallakhamb feats, many ailments or uncommon diseases are controlled and at times cured. It is also the candid experience of many persons that some of the deformities or defects in limbs or organs are set right through Mallakhamb exercises. It is no surprise to know that scientific and methodical training acts as an effective measure of physio- therapy. In the case of diseases or disorders like insomnia, anemia, chronic pains in the body, abdominal problems, kidney troubles, ENT problems, headache, migraine, chronic bronchitis, chest pain, respiratory or lung trouble, rheumatism and other types of irregularities of hygienic disturbances, Mallakhamb proves to be of immense value.