THANG-TA MARTIAL ARTS
Thang-Ta is an Indian Martial Art originated from Manipur a North-Eastern State of India. In Manipur term, 'Thang' means 'Sword' & 'Ta' means “Spear.” That the Thang-Ta means Arts of Sword & Spear. Its another name is Huyel Langlon that, 'Huyel' means war & 'Langlon' means ‘Knowledge of Art'.
Thang-Ta is popular term for the ancient Manipuri Martial Art known as Huyel Langlon. It bears different names for different peoples such as Huyel Langlon, Sarit-Sarak, Chainarol, Thang-Ta and Mukna etc.
Thang-Ta is popular term for the ancient Manipuri Martial Art known as Huyel Langlon. It bears different names for different peoples such as Huyel Langlon, Sarit-Sarak, Chainarol, Thang-Ta and Mukna etc.
The different meaning are as under
1. Huyel Langlon
2. Sarit-Sarak 3. Chainarol 4. Thang-Ta 5. Mukna |
: Knowledge of war art
: Art of defensive & offensive style : Art of fighting : Art of sword & spear : Manipuri style of wrestling |
All above Martial Arts are known as Thang-Ta Martial Arts by all the peoples.
The Artists / Players of Thang-Ta must follow strictly the following categories of Arts.
The Artists / Players of Thang-Ta must follow strictly the following categories of Arts.
1. Thanglon
2. Taron 3. Mukna 4. Sarit- Sarak 5. Ningsa kanglon 6. Sajel Kanglon 7. Layenglon 8. Ten Kappa 9. Theng Kouron 10. Lamjel 11. Hiri Konba 12. Huitem Kanglon |
: Various Arts of Swords
: Various Arts Spears : Arts of Manipuri Wrestling : Arts of defensive & offensive styles with or without weapons : Breathing exercise : Physical exercise : First Aid ( Medicine) : Arrow Shooting ( Archery) : Spiritual Art : Race : Concentration / Meditation : Nerve Center exercise |
Historical origin of THANG-TA Martial Arts
The state of Manipur was affirmed by a beautiful, oblong, fertile valley surrounded on all sides by the hills. The hills were settled by many different tribal groups. The valley was settled by seven different clans known as Mangang, Luwang, Khuman, Angom, Khaba-Nganba, Moirang, and Sarang Leishangthem. Each group or clan was known as “Salai” or “Yek” (Sibs/Clans), having an independent kingdom and principality of each clan. These clans, though related, were always in constant warfare amongst each other before the integration of the clans into one nationhood, now known as the “Meitei/Meetei”.
The ethics of battles, duels and combats amongst the clan heroes were high features in the strong codes of martial conduct. For the sake of honor of the country, community and the clan, these heroes would give their lives easily in battle. A known martial art book "CHAINAROL-PUYA" gives many incidents of personal duels of combat. The fighters were mainly commoners. There were bouts with bow and arrow and spear throws under strict codes of conduct. Violation of rules was regarded as sinful. The rules of bouts were simple but austere in nature and observance. When an unarmed man was challenged, he could fetch his arms and fixed a day for the bout. Surrendering of the choice to begin the first hurling of the weapon to his opponent was an open honor which was greatly valued as a sign of true hero. They used to swear in the name of father Sky and Mother Earth, and believed their god like ancestors would endow them with justice. A scratch on any part of the body, and blood oozing out from the same would mean victory to the shooter or the thrower. The fighters would share the lunch packs and wines given by their wives before the head of the vanquished was cut off. The dead body of the loser would be cremated by the victor, if he was requested to so by the victim. Heads were usually taken away as trophies of prowess.
The actual system "Lallup" mean a group of millitary force was introduced during the regin of of King Loyumba (1074-1122 AD). The book "Mashil" wrote The King Punshiba (1404-1432 AD) introduced the permanent and professional military department called "Shingchep Meira Haijouroi". The King Pamheiba (1709-1748 AD) strengthen and upgraded the old military system so called "Lallup". Under this system every male above 16 years served the state voluntarily as duty 10 days in forty (40), therefore each individual person served the state some 90 days in a year. They performed their duties for the state and trained Thang-Ta martial arts as important subject of physical exercise. Hence every person was compelled by himself to have Thang-Ta martial art training.
The ethics of battles, duels and combats amongst the clan heroes were high features in the strong codes of martial conduct. For the sake of honor of the country, community and the clan, these heroes would give their lives easily in battle. A known martial art book "CHAINAROL-PUYA" gives many incidents of personal duels of combat. The fighters were mainly commoners. There were bouts with bow and arrow and spear throws under strict codes of conduct. Violation of rules was regarded as sinful. The rules of bouts were simple but austere in nature and observance. When an unarmed man was challenged, he could fetch his arms and fixed a day for the bout. Surrendering of the choice to begin the first hurling of the weapon to his opponent was an open honor which was greatly valued as a sign of true hero. They used to swear in the name of father Sky and Mother Earth, and believed their god like ancestors would endow them with justice. A scratch on any part of the body, and blood oozing out from the same would mean victory to the shooter or the thrower. The fighters would share the lunch packs and wines given by their wives before the head of the vanquished was cut off. The dead body of the loser would be cremated by the victor, if he was requested to so by the victim. Heads were usually taken away as trophies of prowess.
The actual system "Lallup" mean a group of millitary force was introduced during the regin of of King Loyumba (1074-1122 AD). The book "Mashil" wrote The King Punshiba (1404-1432 AD) introduced the permanent and professional military department called "Shingchep Meira Haijouroi". The King Pamheiba (1709-1748 AD) strengthen and upgraded the old military system so called "Lallup". Under this system every male above 16 years served the state voluntarily as duty 10 days in forty (40), therefore each individual person served the state some 90 days in a year. They performed their duties for the state and trained Thang-Ta martial arts as important subject of physical exercise. Hence every person was compelled by himself to have Thang-Ta martial art training.
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