Adimurai

Adimurai (Tamil: அடிமுறை) is a Tamil martial art which is regarded as one of the oldest and most important martial arts to have been practiced in ancient Tamilakam (present day Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Northern Province of Sri Lanka). The name is a portmaneau in the Tamil language where adi means "to hit or strike" and murai means method or procedure. It is also considered an origin of certain martial arts techniques. It is a type of varma kalai. It is believed that Adimurai originated from Southern Parts of Tamil Nadu Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari. In modern period it is used with armed art of Tamil. This ancient fighting style is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature 400 BCE.[1]

Adimurai
Country of originTamil Nadu, India
Creatortraditionally Siddhars
Olympic sportNo

The practitioners of Adimurai defeat the opponents by striking them either using their legs or hands.

Formation

Adi murai is one of the three constituents along with Vaasi Yoga and Varma Vaithiyam to make up the art of Varma kalai.[2] In fact, the combat application of Varma kalai is also referred as Adimurai. The art of Varmakalai is taught well in advance of Adimurai. Adimurai is formed with the combination of Adithadi, Ayudha Murai and Varma Ati. Kung Fu, Martial arts are said to have originated from adimurai.

History

Adimurai was initially introduced by the Siddhars as a lethal effective combat science with the purpose of defending and protecting themselves from the thieves and enemies.[3] The sport is also closely related with another martial art Silambam which is also known as Silambattam.[4] The origin of Adimurai similar to Silambam can be traced back to 2nd century BC.[5]

Adithadi was later introduced as a non-lethal version of Adimurai during Chera Chola and Pandya eras, where preliminary empty hand techniques were used.[6] it is being practiced by nadars in Kanyakumari district

Practice

Adimurai is traditionally practiced predominantly by people in southern districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Parts of it have been incorporated in the southern style of Kalaripayattu. The martial art Angampora is derived from Adimurai.[7]

In Pop culture

Adimurai was depicted in the film Pattas (2020) starring Dhanush, directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar.[8][9]

See also

References
  1. Raj, J. David Manuel (1977). The Origin and the Historical Developlment of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defence Sport of India. Oregon: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon. pp. 44, 50, 83.
  2. "ADIMURAI - THE DYING MARTIAL ART OF TAMIL NADU". Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  3. "Adi Murai - The science of combat". Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  4. "Varma Kalai/ Adi murai". www.shivashakthikalari.org. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  5. Furrows, Benjamin (9 May 2018). "NAKED BRAIN TRUTH CANNOT BECOME A HATE SPEECH AGAINST CRIMINALS: ADI MURAI: THE COMBAT SCIENCE OF TAMILS, DEVELOPED BY TAMIL SIDDHARS". NAKED BRAIN TRUTH CANNOT BECOME A HATE SPEECH AGAINST CRIMINALS. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  6. Luijendijk, D.H. (2005) Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art, Paladin Press, ISBN 1-58160-480-7
  7. Zarilli, Philip B. (2001). "India". In Green, Thomas A. (ed.). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia. A – L. 1. ABC-CLIO. p. 177. ISBN 978-1-57607-150-2.
  8. "Dhanush's 'Pattas' is on ancient Tamil martial art!". Sify.com. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  9. "Dhanush's 'Pattas' is based on 'Adimurai'". Sify.com. Retrieved 15 January 2020.


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