Silambam or Silambattam is one of the traditional games of India, which have its origin in Tamilnadu. The kings of the south, promoted Silambattam and there were champions in this game. Silambattam is known as staff fencing dates back to 2nd century A.D. The silambam staff is one of the martial art wepons which was also one of the trading items in the ancient times. Though this game have its origin and flourishment in Tamilnadu, this is now a recreational game in the country of Malaysia too.
The young men of ancient Tamilnadu using a long staff, is a self defence game and mock-fighting games were organised in the ancient times. Almost all the young men were trained to use these staves to be used both in emergency and also as a ritual. There are 4 different types of sticks or staves used to enact Silambattam.
1. Thin strong one which produces sonorous swishing sound.
2. Staff tied with lighted torch at both the ends.
3. Short staff
4. Non-elastic staff that clatters.
The contest of Silambam
There are 3 types of contest in Silambam that is practised normally. The winner of the contest is:
1. Either one have to be dispossed of his staff.
2. Either one should have the maximum number of marks on his body.
3. Skill in protecting a money pouch placed in the body.
All these are 3 different types of contest and the looser have to place his staff on the ground in the 2nd and 3 rd contest. The winner normally leaves a mark on the forehead of the looser.
Dress code of the contestant
The contestant wear langots, sleeveless vests, turbans (mundasus), and a chest guard made of Palmyrah tree traditionally and in the modern period real chest guard is used. Modern contestants wear canvas shoes.
Techniques of Silambam
Swift movements of hand and foot. Hands are normally used to weild the staff. Precise movement, momentum and force have to be developed at head, shoulder, hip and legs so that one can save these parts from getting hurt or hit during the game. One have to master the art of sweeping, cutting, thrusting the staff into the opponents area. One have to develop strong mental ability, by improving concentration. The contestants have to anticipate the movements of the opponent and use techniques accordingly. One have to master the different kinds of strokes.
One have to learn to defend the crowd and learn to disperse the mob using different kind of strokes and hits which have to be performed swiftly. All these activities involve swift movement of hand, feet, staff swinging, jumping and a lot more. Silambam is not just a defensive art but also a combat exercise.
How the contest is performed
The contest is started with a salutation; to the God, to the Guru and also to the audience. Points are awarded for different acts performed. For every touch on the body 1 point is awarded and at times for a touch above the waist 2 points are awarded.
According to the rules that is made during the beggining of the contest, the winner is the one who touches the opponent's body thrice, or who makes a mark in the opponent's forehead or the one who disposses off the other's staff.
Silambam is normally fought on an even and hard surface and the area is normally circular with a radius of not more than 20 to 25 ft. Normally 2 players are involved in the contest and the contest duration is between 6 to 10 mins with 4 quarters. An interval of one minute is given after the 1st and 3rd quarter. And after the 2nd quarter an interval of 3 mins is allowed.
An defense art of ancient times is now regarded as an ancient martial art form of performing arts.