Indian physical culture

Indian physical culture is the form of physical culture originating in ancient Indian society.

History

Ancient era

Physical fitness was prized in traditional Hindu thought, with cultivation of the body (dehvada) seen as one path to full self-realization. Buddhist universities such as Nalanda taught various forms of physical culture, such as swimming and archery, with Buddha himself having been well-acquainted with martial activities prior to his enlightenment. Gurukulas focused significantly on physical education alongside academics, with Hindu epics such as the Ramayana often depicting kings marrying off their daughters to men who excelled in athletic events.

A variety of ball games and war-training activities were present in ancient India, with both men and women participating. The traditional Indian physical culture generally used little to no equipment. Ayurvedic medical treatises such as the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita emphasized exercise as a way of avoiding conditions such as diabetes, and prescribed exercise in accordance with the seasons. Some specialist communities were known for their acrobatic performances, such as dancing on bamboo.

Hunting for recreation was common through Indian history, and was partaken in by royals; it was done for a variety of reasons, such as proving manliness, for religious purposes, or simply for thrill-seeking purposes. The emphasis on hunting coincided with an overall view of the forest as being an area to be conquered and used by the state, which resulted in conflict between kingdoms and forest-dwellers.