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			{{Short description\|Form of wrestling from the Indian subcontinent}}
	]
			{{EngvarB\|date=March 2017}}
	'''Pehlwani''' (also spelled as '''pahlwani''') is an originally Iranian style of ] introduced to ] by Indo-Persian dynasties. A practitioner of this sport is referred to as a ''pehlwan'' (also spelled ''pahlwan'' from Persian Pahlavan, champion, literally a Parthian). An expert or master of this art style of wrestling is called a Guru/"Ustad" (great teacher).
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2017}}
			{{about\|a form of wrestling\|2010 Indian film\|Kushti (film)\|other uses\|Pahlavan (disambiguation)}}
			{{Infobox Martial art
			\| image = Davangere Wrestlers.jpg
			\| imagesize = 250px
			\| imagecaption = Pehlwani-style wrestling match in ], ] (2005).
			\| name = Pehlwani
			\| aka = Kushti
			\| country = ]
			\| focus = ]
			\| olympic = No
			\| parenthood = ]<br/>]
			\| descendant arts = ]
			\| famous_pract = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]
			\| meaning =
			}}
			'''Pehlwani''',<ref name="Pehlwani">{{cite web\|title=Pehlwani\|url=https://www.topendsports.com/sport/list/wrestling-pehlwani.htm}}</ref> also known as '''Kushti''', is a form of ] contested in the ]. It was developed in 14th century by combining Persian ] with influences from native Indian ].<ref name=Alter1992a>{{cite journal \|first=Joseph S. \|last=Alter \|date=May 1992a \|title=The "sannyasi" and the Indian Wrestler: The Anatomy of a Relationship \|journal=American Ethnologist \|volume=19 \|issue=2 \|pages=317–336 \|issn=0094-0496 \|doi=10.1525/ae.1992.19.2.02a00070}}</ref><ref name=Alter1992b>{{cite book \|last=Alter \|first=Joseph S. \|title=The Wrestler's Body: Identity and Ideology in North India \|year=1992b \|publisher=University of California Press \|location=Berkeley \|isbn=0-520-07697-4}}</ref> The words ''pehlwani'' and ''kushti'' derive from the ] terms ''pahlavani'' (heroic) and ''koshti'' (wrestling, lit. killing) respectively, meaning Heroic wrestling. A practitioner of this sport is referred to as a ''pehlwan'' (Persian word for ''hero'') while teachers are known as ] (Persian word for ''teacher'' or ''master'').<ref name="Alter1992b" />

			One of the most famous practitioners of Pehlwani was ] (Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt), who is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. ] was another example.<ref>{{cite news\|title=The culture and crisis of kushti\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/sainath/the-culture-and-crisis-of-kushti/article5297790.ece?homepage=true\|newspaper=The Hindu\|date=31 October 2013\|access-date=2 July 2016}}</ref> Brahmdev Mishra is another example of an Indian wrestler who was known for his technique and physique not only in India but all over the world.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Wrestler's Body \|url=https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft6n39p104&chunk.id=s1.9.5&toc.depth=100&brand=ucpress \|access-date=2021-01-21 \|website=UC Press E-Books Collection, 1982-2004}}</ref> Pehlwani is one of the sports that influenced ],<ref>{{cite news \|date=8 March 2014 \|title=Pitting catch wrestling against Brazilian jiu-jitsu \|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2014/03/08/sports/pitting-catch-wrestling-against-brazilian-jiu-jitsu/81103/81103/ \|url-access=subscription \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112202050/http://www.manilatimes.net/2014/03/08/sports/pitting-catch-wrestling-against-brazilian-jiu-jitsu/81103/ \|archive-date=2020-01-12 \|access-date=12 January 2020 \|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book \|last1=Nauright \|first1=John \|last2=Zipp \|first2=Sarah \|title=Routledge Handbook of Global Sport \|date=2020 \|publisher=Routledge \|isbn=978-1-317-50047-6 \|page=179 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=htTHDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT179}}</ref> which in turn partially inspired ], ], and ] (MMA).<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Nauright \|first1=John \|last2=Zipp \|first2=Sarah \|title=Routledge Handbook of Global Sport \|date=2020 \|publisher=] \|isbn=978-1-317-50047-6 \|page=179 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=htTHDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT179}}</ref>
	The Indian wrestling form has undergone several changes in both the nomanclature and training methodologies through the ages, the more prominent influences include the introduction of ] nomanclature and ] training methods.

			== History ==
	Dangals (wrestling competitons) are held at village levels and have their own rules which vary from place to place but usually a win is awarded by either a decision from the a panel of judges, ], stoppage or ].
			The ]n form of wrestling is called ].<ref name=Alter1992b/> Practiced at least since the 5th millennium BC,<ref>{{cite journal \|first=Joseph S. \|last=Alter \|date=May 1992 \|title=the sannyasi and the Indian wrestler: the anatomy of a relationship \|journal=American Ethnologist \|volume=19 \|issue=2 \|pages=317–336 \|issn=0094-0496 \|doi=10.1525/ae.1992.19.2.02a00070 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book \|title=Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts \|author=] and Robert W. Smith \|year=1969 \|publisher=Kodansha International Limited}}</ref> described in the 13th century treatise ], it was the precursor of modern Kushti.<ref name=Alter1992a/>

			In the 16th century, northern ] was conquered by the Central Asian ], who were of ] descent. Through the influence of ] and ], given time, the local ] was supplanted by Persian Koshti. Interestingly, the aspects of Malla-yuddha survived in the culture of the Akhad (wrestling academy): Students are expected to be vegetarian, cook, take care of the facility, and be celibate.
	==History==

			]
	] mountain, Hanuman is also carrying a Gada, the weapon of mythological warriors of India]]
			], the first Mughal emperor, was a wrestler himself and could reportedly run very fast for a long distance while holding a man under each arm. Mughal-era wrestlers sometimes even wore ] on one hand, in a variation called ''naki ka kushti'' or "claw wrestling".
	] has been very popular in ] from ancient times, however it is unknown as to whether these references referred to Pehlwani or to the generic wrestling. There is the memorable fight between ] and ] narrated in the ] and the duel between ] and ] mentioned in ] (the Persian book of kings). There is a a great wrestling contest described between ] and ] narrated in the Mahabharata. However, these religious texts describe wrestling only in generic terms and used the termm, malla-yuddha, which is the generic term for "wrestling" in Sanskrit. ], the brother of Lord ] was a wrestler described in these religious texts. In the Ramayana there is mention of the ] King ], having won against the mighty ], the king of Lanka in a wrestling contest. During ]'s regime we hear of his son ] performing great feats in ] and finally tearing a lion with his own hands.
			]
			During the late 17th century, Ramadasa travelled the country encouraging Hindus to be physically active in homage to the great god ]. ] rulers supported Kushti by offering large sums of prize money for tournament champions. It was said that every ] boy at the time could wrestle and even women took up the sport. During the colonial period, local princes sustained the popularity of kushti by hosting matches and competitions. Wrestling was the favourite spectator sport of the ]s, and were said to look forward to tournaments "with great anxiety". Every Jat prince or chief had a number of wrestling champions to compete for his entertainment. The greatest wrestling centres were said to be ] and ].
			] ] demonstrating Pehlawani wrestling, circa 1880–1890.]]
			In 1909, a Bengali merchant named Abdul Jabbar Saudagar intended to unite the local youth and inspire them in the anti-British struggle against the colonists through a display of strength by holding a wrestling tournament. Known as Jabbar-er Boli Khela, this competition has continued through independence and the subsequent ]. It is still held in ] every Boishakhi Mela (Bengali new year), accompanied by playing of the traditional ''sanai'' (flute) and ''dabor'' (drum), and is one of ]'s oldest traditions.

	~~India in~~ the recent past had ~~great~~ wrestlers of the class of ] and ]. India reached its peak of glory in the IV ] (later on called Jakarta Games) in 1962 when all the seven wrestlers were placed on the medal list and in between them they ~~bagged~~ 12 medals in ] and ]. A repetition of this performance was witnessed again when all the 8 wrestlers sent to the ] held at ] ~~(])~~ had the distinction of getting medals for the country.		In the more recent past, India had famous wrestlers of the class of the ] (of British India and later Pakistan, after ]) and ]. India reached its peak of glory in the IV ] (later on called Jakarta Games) in 1962 when all the seven wrestlers were placed on the medal list and in between them they won 12 medals in ] and ]. A repetition of this performance was witnessed again when all the 8 wrestlers sent to the ] held at ], Jamaica had the distinction of getting medals for the country. During the 60s, India was ranked among the first eight or nine wrestling nations of the world and hosted the world wrestling championships in New Delhi in 1967.

			Pehlwans who compete in wrestling nowadays are also known to ] in the grappling aspects of ] and ]. Legendary wrestlers from the bygone era like ] have made tours to ] to learn kushti and further hone their skills. Karl Gotch was even gifted a pair of {{transl\|hi\|mugdar}} (heavy wooden clubs used for building the arm and shoulder muscles by South Asian wrestlers). The conditioning exercises of pehlwani have been incorporated into many of the conditioning aspects of both ] and ], along with their derivative systems.
	During the 60’s, India was ranked among the first eight or nine wrestling nations of the world and hosted the world wrestling championships in ] in 1967.

			==Training==
	The undefeated champions of India hold the title Rustum-i-Hind title.
	], have trained in the ] aspect of conditioning as taught in ] like ]]]
	] was inevitable even in this ancient dicipline. Pehlwans who compete in wrestling nowadays are also known to cross train in the grappling aspects of ] and ].

			===Regimen===
	Legendary wrestlers from the bygone era eg. ] have made tours to India to learn the art of Pehlwani and further hone their skills. Karl Gotch was gifted a pair of "mudgals" (exercise equipment used by the ]n wrestlers) by the Indian wrestlers. The conditioning exercises of Pehlwani form the base of the conditioning aspect of both ] and ], alongwith their derivative systems. These systems also borrow several throws, submissions and takedowns from Pehlwani.
			Although wrestling in the Indian subcontinent saw changes in the Mughal era and the colonial period, the training regimen has remained the same for over 150 years. Fledgling wrestlers may start as early as 6, but most begin formal training in their teens. They are sent to an ] or traditional wrestling school where they are put under the apprenticeship of the local guru. Their only training attire is the ] or loincloth.

			''Vyayam'' or physical training is meant to build strength and develop muscle bulk and flexibility. Exercises that employ the wrestler's own bodyweight include the ], ]a, and the ], which are also found in hatha ], as well as the ]. Sawari (from ] ''savâri'', meaning "the passenger") is the practice of using another person's body weight to add resistance to such exercises.<ref name=Alter1992b/>
	Having said that, the popularity of this tradition seems to be withering away. The fabled "milked sand wrestling pits" (20X20 deep stone courtyards, filled with clay and water or milk), which served as the traditional arena for both training and competitions are now giving way to wrestling mats and rings. The wrestlers are pursuing the sport as a hobby and not as a full time profession, and the popular ] promotions have pushed Pehlwani to the brink of obscurity.
			]s near ].]]
			Exercise regimens may employ the following weight training devices:
			*The ''nal'' is a hollow stone cylinder with a handle inside.
			*The ''gar nal'' (neck weight) is a circular stone ring worn around the neck to add resistance to ''danda'' and ''bethak''.
			*The ] is a club associated with ]. An exercise gada is a heavy round stone attached to the end of a meter-long bamboo stick. Trophies take the form of gada made of silver and gold.
			*]s, a pair of {{transl\|hi\|mugdar}}.
			Exercise regimens may also include {{transl\|hi\|dhakuli}} which involve twisting rotations, rope climbing, log pulling and running. Massage is regarded an integral part of a wrestler's exercise regimen.

			A typical training day will go as follows:
	== Famous Pehlwans ==
	====Olympic Freestyle Wrestlers====
	*'''Khasabha Jadhav - 1952 olympic bronze medalist, 1948 olympics 6th place'''.

			* 3 AM: Wake up and perform press-ups (''danda'') and squats (''bethak''), as many as 4000. Run for 5 miles, followed by swimming and lifting stone and sandbags.
	====Asian Games Freestyle Wrestlers====
			* 8 AM: Teachers watch as the trainees wrestle each other in earth pits continuously for 3 hours. This is around 25 matches in a row. Matches start with the senior wrestlers. The youngest go last.
	* '''Master Chandgiram''' 1970 Asian games gold medalist is an Indian wrestler who is Known for defeating champions from numerous other disciplines of martial arts.Currently run Chandiram akhara in old delhi.
			* 11 AM: Wrestlers are given an oil massage before resting.
	* '''Kartar Singh''' 1978 and 1986 Asian games gold medalist,1982 silver medalist,1980,'84,'88 olympian. currently DSP Punjab police and Director general of sports Punjab.
			* 4 PM: After another massage, trainees wrestle each other for another 2 hours.
	* '''Satpal Singh''' 1982 Asian games gold medalist,1972,'80 olympian currently Director general of sports Delhi.
			* 8 PM: The wrestler goes to sleep.

			==Diet==
	''Italic text''====Legendary Indian Wrestlers====
			According to the ] school of Hindu philosophy, everything in the universe—including people, activities, and foods—can be sorted into three ]s: ] (calm/good), ] (passionate/active), and ] (dull/lethargic).{{relevance?\|date=April 2022}}
	*''']'''.] and ]]]
			], amongst the most sattvic of foods consumed for wrestlers]]
	*'''Karim Bux''' - was the first wrestler to get into world headlines, when he defeated Tom Canon of England in 1892.
			As a vigorous activity, wrestling has an inherently ]ic nature, which pehlwan counteract through the consumption of sattvic foods. Milk and ] are regarded as the most sattvic of foods and, along with almonds, constitute the holy trinity of the ''pehlwani khurak'' (from ] خوراک پهلوانی ''khorâk-e pahlavâni''), or diet. A common snack for pehlwan are ] that have been sprouted overnight in water and seasoned with salt, pepper and lemon; the water in which the chickpeas were sprouted is also regarded as nutritious. Various articles in the Indian wrestling monthly ''Bharatiya Kushti'' have recommended the consumption of the following fruits: apples, ], bananas, ], pomegranates, ], lemons, and watermelons. Orange juice{{Citation needed\|date=July 2014}} and green vegetables are also recommended for their sattvic nature. Many pehlwan eat meat due to its high protein content. Famed pehlwan ] used to eat more than a pound of meat every day.<ref>{{Cite magazine\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/wellness/story/dara-singh-89-birth-anniversary-diet-wrestler-rustam-e-hind-ghee-milk-meat-health-wellness-lifest-1089784-2017-11-19\|title=Here's the diet Dara Singh followed to become the original Ironman of India\|author=Shivani Chhabra \|date=November 19, 2017 \|magazine=India Today\|language=en\|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref>
	*''' Mama Moti Singh, trainer of Kikkar Singh and Kalloo whom he trained in the unique dog method of wrestling.
	*'''Kikkar Singh''' - Dev-e-Hind,Known for his phenomenal chest and body.
	*'''Ghulam''' – accompanied the late ] to Paris in 1900 and defeated Kader Ali of Turkey to become the world champion.
	* ''']''' - defeated the legendary hook wrestler ] in San Francisco in 1922 and became the world champion.
	* '''Ramzi Pahlwan'''.
	* '''Kalloo'''.
	* '''Labhu Lohar'''.
	* '''Rahim Sultaniwala'''.
	*'''Imam Baksh Pehlwan''' -The Indian wrestling legend, and the former Rustam-I-Hind as well as the winner of several strength contests in India.
	*'''Viddo''' - (Sitara-I-Hind).
	* '''Bular'''.
	* ''' Goonga Baliwala'''.
	* '''Mhani Reniwala'''.
	* '''Gutta Singh Khakhanwala'''.
	*'''Hamida Pehlwan''' – former Rustam-I-Hind and the trainer of the Bholu Brothers.
	* Ganda Singh Johal.
	*'''Haider Amritsaria'''.
	* ''']''' – He is the eldest son of Imam Baksh Pehlwan. And the eldest among the ].
	*'''Ajit Singh'''- Indian Wrestler.
	*''']'''- Illustrious Pehlwan Brothers (Bholu , Aslam , Goga , Akram and Azam).
	*''']- ''' the son of the wrestling legend Imam Baksh Pahalwan. He becomes famous for his ] match against Antonio Inoki. And he is one of the Bholu Brothers.
	*'''] '''also trained by Mama Moti Singh.
	* '''Nasir Bholu'''- Well-known wrestler from the Bholu family.
	*'''Jhara Pehlwan'''- Real name Zubair , was the son of the famous Aslam Pehlwan.
	*Banta Singh Waltoha (Bharat Kesari award winner).
	*Santokh singh bahadurnagar (Bharat Kesari award winner).
	*Mehardin (Bharat Kesari award winner).
	*SALWINDER SINGH SHINDA (Rustam-e-Hind) and Indian national wrestling champion. He is also a four time ] Kesari award winner.Now he was a president of district wrestling association TARN-TARAN.THOSE WRESTLERS WHO WERE DEFEATED BY SALWINDER SINGH ARE AS FOLLOWING:-
	*Sarwan Singh (Bharat Kesari award winner).
	*Jagdish Bhola (winner of ] award and Bharat Kesari award).
	*Kehar Singh (winner of Maharaja Ranjit Singh award and Bharat Kesari award).
	*Sumer Singh (Bharat Kesari award winner).
	*Fateh Singh (Bharat Kesari award winner).
	*Lalji Yadav (Bharat Kesari award winner).
	*Vishnu Joshlekar (Bharat Kesari award winner and ] award winner).
	*Shivaji Panchpute (Bharat Kesari award winner and Shivaji award winner).

			Ideally, wrestlers are supposed to avoid sour and excessively spiced foods such as ] and ] as well as ]. Mild seasoning with garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric is acceptable. The consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and ] is strongly discouraged.<ref name=Alter1992b/>
	== Pehlwani Associated with ] ==
	] (] is an orchestrated sport and has been created so that it is entertaining, hence the term, ]. Although some of it seems to have an element of realism, it is mostly choregraphed, where the fate of the match has been pre-decided. Everything in ], ] and other professional wrestling promotions have to do with more acrobatics and storyline angles than the non-choregraphed ].)
	] at the premiere of ]]]
	*''']''': (]) of Indian origin, one of the most talented and decorated light heavyweight professional wrestlers in the world.
	*''']''': (]) The Punjab State, Jalander, police bodybuilder and wrestler (Pehlwan) from Northern India standing at 7 feet 3 inches tall. In Japan, he’s known for hard fought shoot style matches. Currently training with WWE, and has a one year contract.
	*''']''': Real name, Jagit Singh Hans, is the world renowned Indian pro-wrestler.
	*''']''': Real name, Gurjit Singh Hans is an Indian Pro-wrestler and son of Tiger Jeet Singh.
	*''']''': Wrestler and actor, famous for traveling to the United States of America; knocking out the professional wrestlers in the US, then coming back home after realizing the meaning of the word "working" in American professional wrestling.
	*''']'''
	] Hans has contributed immensely to both ] and Professional wrestling in Canada]]
	== Pehlwani Titles ==
	===Indian Wrestling Titles ===
	*'''Rustam-I-Hind''': (also spelled Rustam-e-Hind) Wrestling Champion of India in ]. Imam Baksh Pahalwan and Hamida Pahalwan held the Rustam-I-Hind title in the past.
	'''Rustam-E-Punjab''' : (also spelled Rustam-I-Punjab) Wrestling Champion of Punjab in Hindustani. Pehalwan SALWINDER SINGH SHINDA becomes six times RUSTAM-E-PUNJAB'''Rustam-I-Zamana''': World Wrestling Champion in Hindustani. For example, the Great Gama of India became known as Rustam-I-Zamana when he defeated Stanislaus Zbyszko in 1910.
	*'''Bharat-Kesri''': Best heavyweight wrestler of India in Hindustani. Recent winners include Rajeev Tomar (Railways) and Palwinder Singh Cheema (Punjab police).

	==~~See also~~==		==Techniques==
			It has been said that most of the moves found in the wrestling forms of other countries are present in kushti, and some are unique to the Indian subcontinent. These are primarily locks, throws, pins, and submission holds. Unlike its ancient ancestor ], kushti does not permit strikes or kicks during a match. Among the most favoured manoeuvres are the ''dhobi paat'' (shoulder throw) and the ''kasauta'' (strangle pin). Other moves include the ''baharli'', ''dhak'', ''machli gota'' and the ''multani''.
	* ]

	==~~External links~~==		===Rules===
			]
	*
	*
	*
	*

			Wrestling competitions known as ''dangal'' or ''kushti'', are held in villages and as such are variable and flexible. The area is either a circular or square shape, measuring at least fourteen feet across. Rather than using modern mats, South Asian wrestlers train and compete on dirt floors. Before training, the floor is raked of any pebbles or stones. Buttermilk, oil, and red ochre are sprinkled to the ground, giving the dirt its red hue. Water is added every few days to keep it at the right consistency; soft enough to avoid injury but hard enough so as not to impede the wrestlers' movements. Every match is preceded by the wrestlers throwing a few handfuls of dirt from the floor on themselves and their opponent as a form of blessing. Despite the marked boundaries of the arena, competitors may go outside the ring during a match with no penalty. There are no rounds but the length of every bout is specified beforehand, usually about 25–30 minutes. If both competitors agree, the length of the match may be extended. Match extensions are typically around 10–15 minutes.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=136182\|title=Jabbar-er Boli Khela and Baishakhi Mela in Chittagong\|publisher=archive.thedailystar.net\|date=28 April 2010\|access-date=8 June 2013}}</ref> Unlike mat-based wrestling, there is no point scoring system; a win is achieved by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground simultaneously, although victory by ], stoppage or ] is also possible. In some variations of the rules,
	*
			pinning only the shoulders is sufficient. Bouts are overseen by a referee inside the ring and a panel of two judges watching from the outside.{{citation needed\|date=August 2020}}

			==Titles==
			], a former ''Rustam-e-Zaman'']]
			Official titles awarded to kushti champions are as follows. Note that the title ] is actually the name of an Iranian hero from the '']'' epic.

			*"''']'''": Champion of India. ] from Punjab, Sadika Gilgoo (Siddique Pehlwan), Krishan Kumar from Haryana, ] Pehlwan, ], ], ], ] and ] (Lion of India)<ref name="dnaindia.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-olympian-wrestler-lion-of-india-harishchandra-birajdar-passes-away-1587302\|title=Olympian wrestler 'Lion of India' Harishchandra Birajdar passes away\|date=14 September 2011\|work=dna}}</ref> from Maharashtra, ] from ] and Pehlwan Shamsher Singh (Punjab Police) held the Rustam-e-Hind title in the past. Vishnupant Nagrale was the first wrestler ever to hold this title.
			*'''Rustum-e-Pakistan''': Also spelled as Rustum-i-Pakistan. Pakistan Champion.
			*'''Rustum-e-Punjab''': Champion of Punjab, Pakistan.
			*"''']'''": Lion of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Kesari is an Indian-style wrestling championship. Narsinh Yadav (three-time winner)<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5653978072023291587&SectionId=4924098573178130559&SectionName=Top%20Stories&NewsDate=20131204&NewsTitle=Narsing%20is%20%27Maharashtra%20Kesari%27%20for%20record%20third%20time \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411112946/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5653978072023291587&SectionId=4924098573178130559&SectionName=Top%20Stories&NewsDate=20131204&NewsTitle=Narsing%20is%20%27Maharashtra%20Kesari%27%20for%20record%20third%20time \|url-status=usurped \|archive-date=11 April 2016 \|title=Narsing is 'Maharashtra Kesari' for record third time \| Sakal Times \|website=Sakaaltimes.com \|access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref>
			*"''']'''" : (also spelled Rustam-i-Panjab) Champion of Panjab, India. Pehlwan Shamsher Singh (Punjab Police) Pehlwan Salwinder Singh Shinda was a six time Rustam-e-Panjab,.
			*"''']'''": World Champion. ] became known as Rustam-e-Zaman when he defeated ] in 1910.
			*"''']"''': Best heavyweight wrestler in Hindi. Recent winners include Chandra Prakash Mishra (Gama Pahalwan),<ref>{{Cite web\|title=गामा पहलवान ने किया देश का नाम रोशन\|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/gorakhpur-city-gamma-wrestler-made-the-countrys-name-illuminated-16689194.html\|access-date=2020-09-27\|website=Dainik Jagran\|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Bharat Kesari GAMA Pahalwan and Mishra family, Gorakhpur ,Uttar Pradesh\|url=https://www.facebook.com/bharatkesarigamapahalwan/photos/a.1000691916628530/1003827266314995/?type=3 \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/798679593496431/1003827266314995 \|archive-date=2022-02-26 \|url-access=limited\|access-date=2020-09-27\|website=www.facebook.com\|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Krishan Kumar(1986), Rajeev Tomar (Railways), Pehlwan Shamsher Singh (Punjab Police) and Palwinder Singh Cheema (Punjab police).
			*"''']'''": Winner of 1969 Hind Kesari ] (Maharashtra)<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/wrestler-harishchandra-birajdar-dies-at-73/846936/ \|title=Wrestler Harishchandra Birajdar dies at 73 – Indian Express \|website=Archive.indianexpress.com \|date=15 September 2011 \|access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref> (Lion of India),<ref name="dnaindia.com"/> Winner of 1986 Hind Kesari, Krishan Kumar (Bhaproda, Haryana), Winner of 2013 Hind Kesari, Amol Barate (Maharashtra);<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5561871461585699144&SectionId=4924098573178130559&SectionName=Top%20Stories&NewsDate=20131022&NewsTitle=Pune%20boy%20Barate%20is%20Hind%20Kesari \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003035124/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5561871461585699144&SectionId=4924098573178130559&SectionName=Top%20Stories&NewsDate=20131022&NewsTitle=Pune%20boy%20Barate%20is%20Hind%20Kesari \|url-status=usurped \|archive-date=3 October 2015 \|title=Pune boy Barate is Hind Kesari \| Sakal Times \|website=Sakaaltimes.com \|access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref> Winner of 2015 Hind Kesari, Sunil Salunkhe (Maharashtra),<ref>{{cite web\|author=क्रीडा \|url=http://www.loksatta.com/krida-news/sunil-salunkhe-gets-hind-kesari-trophy-1067263/ \|title=सुनील साळुंखे 'हिंद केसरी' \|website=Loksatta.com \|date=2 February 2015 \|access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref>
			*'''Amazon of Aligarh''': This is an exclusive unofficial title given to a female wrestler, ], in the first half of the 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Hamida Banu: All About The Incredible Life of India's First Woman Wrestler \|url=https://www.ndtv.com/feature/hamida-banu-all-about-the-incredible-life-of-indias-first-woman-wrestler-5586635 \|access-date=2024-05-04 \|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

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			==References==
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	{{~~Indian~~ ~~Martial~~ ~~Arts~~}}		{{Wrestling in India}}
			{{Wrestling in Pakistan}}
			{{grappling}}
			{{Indian martial arts}}

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Latest revision as of 19:16, 23 October 2024

Form of wrestling from the Indian subcontinent

This article is about a form of wrestling. For 2010 Indian film, see Kushti (film). For other uses, see Pahlavan (disambiguation).

Pehlwani
Pehlwani-style wrestling match in Davangere, Karnataka, India (2005).
Also known as	Kushti
Focus	Wrestling
Country of origin	Indian subcontinent
Famous practitioners	Dara Singh The Great Gama Bajrang Punia Vinesh Phogat Nathmal Pahalwan Deepak Punia Ravi Kumar Dahiya Harishchandra Birajdar Jatindra Charan Goho Sushil Kumar Narsingh Yadav Khashaba Jadhav
Parenthood	Koshti pahlevani Malla-yuddha
Descendant arts	Catch wrestling
Olympic sport	No

Pehlwani, also known as Kushti, is a form of wrestling contested in the Indian subcontinent. It was developed in 14th century by combining Persian Koshti pahlevani with influences from native Indian Malla-yuddha. The words pehlwani and kushti derive from the Persian terms pahlavani (heroic) and koshti (wrestling, lit. killing) respectively, meaning Heroic wrestling. A practitioner of this sport is referred to as a pehlwan (Persian word for hero) while teachers are known as ustad (Persian word for teacher or master).

One of the most famous practitioners of Pehlwani was The Great Gama (Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt), who is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Kodi Rammurthy Naidu was another example. Brahmdev Mishra is another example of an Indian wrestler who was known for his technique and physique not only in India but all over the world. Pehlwani is one of the sports that influenced catch wrestling, which in turn partially inspired folkstyle wrestling, freestyle wrestling, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

History

The ancient Indian form of wrestling is called malla-yuddha. Practiced at least since the 5th millennium BC, described in the 13th century treatise Malla Purana, it was the precursor of modern Kushti.

In the 16th century, northern India was conquered by the Central Asian Mughals, who were of Turko-Mongol descent. Through the influence of Iranian and Mongolian wrestling, given time, the local malla-yuddha was supplanted by Persian Koshti. Interestingly, the aspects of Malla-yuddha survived in the culture of the Akhad (wrestling academy): Students are expected to be vegetarian, cook, take care of the facility, and be celibate.

Babur, the first Mughal emperor, was a wrestler himself and could reportedly run very fast for a long distance while holding a man under each arm. Mughal-era wrestlers sometimes even wore bagh naka on one hand, in a variation called naki ka kushti or "claw wrestling".

During the late 17th century, Ramadasa travelled the country encouraging Hindus to be physically active in homage to the great god Hanuman. Maratha rulers supported Kushti by offering large sums of prize money for tournament champions. It was said that every Maratha boy at the time could wrestle and even women took up the sport. During the colonial period, local princes sustained the popularity of kushti by hosting matches and competitions. Wrestling was the favourite spectator sport of the Jats, and were said to look forward to tournaments "with great anxiety". Every Jat prince or chief had a number of wrestling champions to compete for his entertainment. The greatest wrestling centres were said to be Western Uttar Pradesh and Panjab region.

In 1909, a Bengali merchant named Abdul Jabbar Saudagar intended to unite the local youth and inspire them in the anti-British struggle against the colonists through a display of strength by holding a wrestling tournament. Known as Jabbar-er Boli Khela, this competition has continued through independence and the subsequent partition. It is still held in Bangladesh every Boishakhi Mela (Bengali new year), accompanied by playing of the traditional sanai (flute) and dabor (drum), and is one of Chittagong's oldest traditions.

In the more recent past, India had famous wrestlers of the class of the Great Gama (of British India and later Pakistan, after partition) and Gobar Goho. India reached its peak of glory in the IV Asian Games (later on called Jakarta Games) in 1962 when all the seven wrestlers were placed on the medal list and in between them they won 12 medals in freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling. A repetition of this performance was witnessed again when all the 8 wrestlers sent to the Commonwealth Games held at Kingston, Jamaica had the distinction of getting medals for the country. During the 60s, India was ranked among the first eight or nine wrestling nations of the world and hosted the world wrestling championships in New Delhi in 1967.

Pehlwans who compete in wrestling nowadays are also known to cross train in the grappling aspects of judo and jujutsu. Legendary wrestlers from the bygone era like Karl Gotch have made tours to India to learn kushti and further hone their skills. Karl Gotch was even gifted a pair of mugdar (heavy wooden clubs used for building the arm and shoulder muscles by South Asian wrestlers). The conditioning exercises of pehlwani have been incorporated into many of the conditioning aspects of both catch wrestling and shoot wrestling, along with their derivative systems.

Training

Regimen

Although wrestling in the Indian subcontinent saw changes in the Mughal era and the colonial period, the training regimen has remained the same for over 150 years. Fledgling wrestlers may start as early as 6, but most begin formal training in their teens. They are sent to an akhara or traditional wrestling school where they are put under the apprenticeship of the local guru. Their only training attire is the kowpeenam or loincloth.

Vyayam or physical training is meant to build strength and develop muscle bulk and flexibility. Exercises that employ the wrestler's own bodyweight include the Surya Namaskara, shirshasana, and the danda, which are also found in hatha yoga, as well as the bethak. Sawari (from Persian savâri, meaning "the passenger") is the practice of using another person's body weight to add resistance to such exercises.

Exercise regimens may employ the following weight training devices:

The nal is a hollow stone cylinder with a handle inside.
The gar nal (neck weight) is a circular stone ring worn around the neck to add resistance to danda and bethak.
The gada (mace) is a club associated with Hanuman. An exercise gada is a heavy round stone attached to the end of a meter-long bamboo stick. Trophies take the form of gada made of silver and gold.
Indian clubs, a pair of mugdar.

Exercise regimens may also include dhakuli which involve twisting rotations, rope climbing, log pulling and running. Massage is regarded an integral part of a wrestler's exercise regimen.

A typical training day will go as follows:

3 AM: Wake up and perform press-ups (danda) and squats (bethak), as many as 4000. Run for 5 miles, followed by swimming and lifting stone and sandbags.
8 AM: Teachers watch as the trainees wrestle each other in earth pits continuously for 3 hours. This is around 25 matches in a row. Matches start with the senior wrestlers. The youngest go last.
11 AM: Wrestlers are given an oil massage before resting.
4 PM: After another massage, trainees wrestle each other for another 2 hours.
8 PM: The wrestler goes to sleep.

Diet

According to the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy, everything in the universe—including people, activities, and foods—can be sorted into three gunas: sattva (calm/good), rajas (passionate/active), and tamas (dull/lethargic).

Ghee, amongst the most sattvic of foods consumed for wrestlers

As a vigorous activity, wrestling has an inherently rajasic nature, which pehlwan counteract through the consumption of sattvic foods. Milk and ghee are regarded as the most sattvic of foods and, along with almonds, constitute the holy trinity of the pehlwani khurak (from Persian خوراک پهلوانی khorâk-e pahlavâni), or diet. A common snack for pehlwan are chickpeas that have been sprouted overnight in water and seasoned with salt, pepper and lemon; the water in which the chickpeas were sprouted is also regarded as nutritious. Various articles in the Indian wrestling monthly Bharatiya Kushti have recommended the consumption of the following fruits: apples, wood-apples, bananas, figs, pomegranates, gooseberries, lemons, and watermelons. Orange juice and green vegetables are also recommended for their sattvic nature. Many pehlwan eat meat due to its high protein content. Famed pehlwan Dara Singh used to eat more than a pound of meat every day.

Ideally, wrestlers are supposed to avoid sour and excessively spiced foods such as chatni and achar as well as chaat. Mild seasoning with garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric is acceptable. The consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and paan is strongly discouraged.

Techniques

It has been said that most of the moves found in the wrestling forms of other countries are present in kushti, and some are unique to the Indian subcontinent. These are primarily locks, throws, pins, and submission holds. Unlike its ancient ancestor malla-yuddha, kushti does not permit strikes or kicks during a match. Among the most favoured manoeuvres are the dhobi paat (shoulder throw) and the kasauta (strangle pin). Other moves include the baharli, dhak, machli gota and the multani.

Rules

Wrestling competitions known as dangal or kushti, are held in villages and as such are variable and flexible. The area is either a circular or square shape, measuring at least fourteen feet across. Rather than using modern mats, South Asian wrestlers train and compete on dirt floors. Before training, the floor is raked of any pebbles or stones. Buttermilk, oil, and red ochre are sprinkled to the ground, giving the dirt its red hue. Water is added every few days to keep it at the right consistency; soft enough to avoid injury but hard enough so as not to impede the wrestlers' movements. Every match is preceded by the wrestlers throwing a few handfuls of dirt from the floor on themselves and their opponent as a form of blessing. Despite the marked boundaries of the arena, competitors may go outside the ring during a match with no penalty. There are no rounds but the length of every bout is specified beforehand, usually about 25–30 minutes. If both competitors agree, the length of the match may be extended. Match extensions are typically around 10–15 minutes. Unlike mat-based wrestling, there is no point scoring system; a win is achieved by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground simultaneously, although victory by knockout, stoppage or submission is also possible. In some variations of the rules, pinning only the shoulders is sufficient. Bouts are overseen by a referee inside the ring and a panel of two judges watching from the outside.

Titles

The Great Gama, a former *Rustam-e-Zaman*

Official titles awarded to kushti champions are as follows. Note that the title Rustam is actually the name of an Iranian hero from the Shahnameh epic.

"Rustam-e-Hind": Champion of India. Dara Singh from Punjab, Sadika Gilgoo (Siddique Pehlwan), Krishan Kumar from Haryana, Muhammad Buta Pehlwan, Imam Baksh Pehlwan, Hamida Pehlwan, Vishnupant Nagrale, Dadu Chougule and Harishchandra Birajdar (Lion of India) from Maharashtra, Mangla Rai from Uttar Pradesh and Pehlwan Shamsher Singh (Punjab Police) held the Rustam-e-Hind title in the past. Vishnupant Nagrale was the first wrestler ever to hold this title.
Rustum-e-Pakistan: Also spelled as Rustum-i-Pakistan. Pakistan Champion.
Rustum-e-Punjab: Champion of Punjab, Pakistan.
"Maharashtra Kesari": Lion of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Kesari is an Indian-style wrestling championship. Narsinh Yadav (three-time winner)
"Rustam-e-Panjab" : (also spelled Rustam-i-Panjab) Champion of Panjab, India. Pehlwan Shamsher Singh (Punjab Police) Pehlwan Salwinder Singh Shinda was a six time Rustam-e-Panjab,.
"Rustam-e-Zaman": World Champion. The Great Gama became known as Rustam-e-Zaman when he defeated Stanislaus Zbyszko in 1910.
"Bharat-Kesari": Best heavyweight wrestler in Hindi. Recent winners include Chandra Prakash Mishra (Gama Pahalwan), Krishan Kumar(1986), Rajeev Tomar (Railways), Pehlwan Shamsher Singh (Punjab Police) and Palwinder Singh Cheema (Punjab police).
"Hind Kesari": Winner of 1969 Hind Kesari Harishchandra Birajdar (Maharashtra) (Lion of India), Winner of 1986 Hind Kesari, Krishan Kumar (Bhaproda, Haryana), Winner of 2013 Hind Kesari, Amol Barate (Maharashtra); Winner of 2015 Hind Kesari, Sunil Salunkhe (Maharashtra),
Amazon of Aligarh: This is an exclusive unofficial title given to a female wrestler, Hamida Banu, in the first half of the 20th century.

other

References

"Pehlwani".
^ Alter, Joseph S. (May 1992a). "The "sannyasi" and the Indian Wrestler: The Anatomy of a Relationship". American Ethnologist. 19 (2): 317–336. doi:10.1525/ae.1992.19.2.02a00070. ISSN 0094-0496.
^ Alter, Joseph S. (1992b). The Wrestler's Body: Identity and Ideology in North India. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-07697-4.
"The culture and crisis of kushti". The Hindu. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
"The Wrestler's Body". UC Press E-Books Collection, 1982-2004. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
"Pitting catch wrestling against Brazilian jiu-jitsu". The Manila Times. 8 March 2014. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
Nauright, John; Zipp, Sarah (2020). Routledge Handbook of Global Sport. Routledge. p. 179. ISBN 978-1-317-50047-6.
Nauright, John; Zipp, Sarah (2020). Routledge Handbook of Global Sport. Routledge. p. 179. ISBN 978-1-317-50047-6.
Alter, Joseph S. (May 1992). "the sannyasi and the Indian wrestler: the anatomy of a relationship". American Ethnologist. 19 (2): 317–336. doi:10.1525/ae.1992.19.2.02a00070. ISSN 0094-0496.
Donn F. Draeger and Robert W. Smith (1969). Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts. Kodansha International Limited.
Shivani Chhabra (19 November 2017). "Here's the diet Dara Singh followed to become the original Ironman of India". India Today. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
"Jabbar-er Boli Khela and Baishakhi Mela in Chittagong". archive.thedailystar.net. 28 April 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
^ "Olympian wrestler 'Lion of India' Harishchandra Birajdar passes away". dna. 14 September 2011.
"Narsing is 'Maharashtra Kesari' for record third time | Sakal Times". Sakaaltimes.com. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
"गामा पहलवान ने किया देश का नाम रोशन". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 27 September 2020.
"Bharat Kesari GAMA Pahalwan and Mishra family, Gorakhpur ,Uttar Pradesh". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
"Wrestler Harishchandra Birajdar dies at 73 – Indian Express". Archive.indianexpress.com. 15 September 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
"Pune boy Barate is Hind Kesari | Sakal Times". Sakaaltimes.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
क्रीडा (2 February 2015). "सुनील साळुंखे 'हिंद केसरी'". Loksatta.com. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
"Hamida Banu: All About The Incredible Life of India's First Woman Wrestler". NDTV.com. Retrieved 4 May 2024.

External links

v t e Wrestling in India
Wrestling Federation of India
National Level Tournaments	Pro Wrestling League Hind Kesari
Regional Level	Malakhra Malla-yuddha Maharashtra Kesari Pehlwani Vajra-mushti
Stadiums	Khasbag Wrestling Stadium Gachibowli Indoor Stadium

v t e Wrestling in Pakistan
National level tournaments	Pakistan National Wrestling Tournament
Regional level	Malakhra Pehlwani
Athletes	Pakistan national Greco-Roman wrestling athletes
See also	Pakistan Wrestling Federation

v t e Grappling
Competitions	ADCC Craig Jones Invitational Grapplers Quest International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Metamoris Polaris Pro Grappling Quintet COPA de Bangkok
General techniques	Bridge Clinch fighting Collar tie Eye-gouging Fish-hooking Grappling hold Hooks Ippon seoi nage Nelson hold Overhook Sprawl Sweep Takedown Throw Transition Underhook
Grappling hold	Armlock Chokehold Compression lock Joint lock Leglock Small joint manipulation Spinal lock Wristlock
Grappling position	Back mount Bear hug Collar-and-elbow position Cradle Crucifix position Guard Half guard Knee-on-stomach Mount North–south position Over–under position Pinch grip tie Side control
Grappling-based martial arts	Aikido Beach wrestling Brazilian jiu-jitsu Catch wrestling Chin Na Dishuquan Folk wrestling Belt Glima Gouren Jacket wrestling Judo Sambo Shuai jiao Jujutsu Kurash Mongolian wrestling Shoot wrestling Ssireum Sumo Wrestling Styles Yongmudo
Equipment	Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi Dohyō Gunbai Judogi Wrestling headgear Wrestling shoe Wrestling singlet

v t e Indian martial arts
Martial arts and combat sports	Adimurai Aki Kiti Gatka Gatta gusthi Huyen langlon Inbuan wrestling Kabaddi Kalaripayattu Lathi khela Malakhra Malla-yuddha Mallakhamba Mardani khel Mukna Musti-yuddha Pehlwani Shastar Vidya Silambam Sqay Vajra-mushti
Weapons	Aruval Ayudha katti Bagh nakh Bichuwa Bhuj Chakram Chentu Elephant goad Firangi Gada Katar Kayamkulam vaal Khanda Khaṭvāṅga Kirpan Kukri Maduvu Malappuram Kathi Moplah Mudgar Otta Pata Pesh-kabz Pichangatti Saintie Savuku Shareeravadi Shuckra Talwar Urumi
Related terms	Akhara Ankam Ankathattu Chekavar Kalari Paika akhada
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