Silambam is a centuries-old combat technique, which involves the use of a bamboo staff. It is not a mere fighting skill, but a representation of Tamil culture and discipline. Once an indispensable part of warrior training across the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties, Silambam has today developed into an organised form of sport. It has grown in popularity in recent times, thanks to dedicated training centres and committed practitioners who keep the art alive.
Silambam is believed to be over a few thousand years old, and one can find references to the art in ancient Tamil literature and inscriptions. It was more than just a martial practice in ancient times – it was a way of life. The art originated more or less as a means of self-defence against wild animals and enemy warriors. Over the centuries, it developed into a sophisticated martial system and its grew throughout South India. Silambam techniques were passed down through generations, influencing traditional folk dances, spiritual disciplines, and even agricultural practices. Children were introduced to the art when young and they would train rigorously to develop the requisite agility, precision, and strength.
Silambam faced suppression during the British colonial rule, as the government feared its use in rebellions. However, dedicated practitioners continued to train in secret, ensuring its survival over the years.
The last few decades have seen Chennai emerge as a centre for the revival of Silambam in its modern form. Several organisations and individuals have taken up the mission of restoring the martial art to its erstwhile glory. “Most people join Silambam to gain credentials for their future,” say Tejashwini, a Silambam coach. The Tamil Nadu government has also contributed to the cause of Silambam through its inclusion in the curriculums of schools and sports academies.
Silambam training in progress. Picture courtesy: Thamayandhi. R.
In its current form, Silambam is more varied and explores a surprising number of different techniques, movements, and combat strategies. Each Silambam form is unique in its own way. Kuthu Kuruvai, for instance, is a rapid and aggressive style involving quick continuous striking techniques to bring an opponent to submission. Thulukkanam is a defensive style featuring speedy counterattacks and precision footwork. Nedu Vadi involves the use of a long staff and is distinct in that it is used in long-range combat. Kuruvadi is a short stick technique that helps improve close combat ability and agility. Vettu Vazhakku is a rather special art whose beauty lies in its cutting and slashing actions, mostly applied to a defensive technique. Pattai Veechu is an acrobatic style that involves a combination of various techniques using spins and jumps to confuse and disarm the opponent. Nagam-16 plays with the tactical art of footwork, and employs deception and an unpredictable way of movement to outfox the opponent.
The development of Silambam in Chennai stems from the efforts of various martial arts academies, government initiatives, and cultural organisations. Schools and institutions such as the Tamil Nadu Silambam Association make accessible a professional training regimen to school-going students, employed persons, and fitness buffs alike. Several instructors emphasise the benefits of Silambam, including improved self-defense capacity, reflexes, flexibility, and overall health. Also, women’s self-defense programs work to pass on Silambam techniques that impart useful combat skills while boosting self-awareness and self-confidence.
Many training centers in Chennai have integrated modern training methods while preserving the traditional techniques of Silambam. Each student receives instruction appropriate to their level, regardless of age or prior experience. Sometimes, training takes place in groups of varying skill levels. With well-defined modules and structured training certifications, Silambam has expanded from folk studies into a sports discipline. Chennai plays host to many national and state-level Silambam tournaments, too. These contests are an opportunity for youth to display and hone their skills, and foster the competitive spirit in addition to preserving Silambam’s historical essence.
Apart from other local training centres, the presence of Silambam in Chennai’s cultural landscape is evident in festivals, film choreography and international competitions. It has always been a crucial aspect of Tamil cinema, which showcases the beauty of this dynamic art form to global audiences. Some veteran actors who have used Silambam in their films include M.G. Ramachandran, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan. Contemporary actors like Dhanush and Suriya have also showcased their Silambam skills on screen, and have helped the art form attain greater recognition in the mainstream cinema of today.
Martial art in Tamil films not only displays combat techniques used but communicates cultural pride and strength. Sandai, Thiruvilayaadal Arambam, and Sarpatta Parambarai profiled Silambam’s combative nature while stressing upon its historical ties to Tamil culture. “We have been composing fight sequences with Silambam in cinema for a long time. My father was a stunt master in the cinema field,” says Karthick, Master at SBKS Sports Academy.
Silambam has also grown into a medium of instilling discipline and focus in children. Tejashwini says, “Parents enroll their children in Silambam for the sake of discipline and to keep addiction at bay.” Silambam practice teaches responsibility and deference to authority in youth, enabling them to work toward their goals. Practicing this martial art is a great avenue to shed energy and emotion while dissuading the youngsters from stimulating activities like excessive screen time or harmful addictions. It also develops mental resilience and physical stamina, empowering children to lead disciplined, balanced, and addiction-free lives.
The influence of Silambam is not confined to Chennai or Tamil Nadu. It has gathered attention from practitioners across India and the rest of the world. With the help of the internet and social media, awareness of Silambam has been seeded through online tutorials, workshops, and live demonstrations. It is popular in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, whose populations have a significant proportion of the Tamil diaspora. Martial arts enthusiasts from non-Tamil communities are learning and appreciating this art, which is securing a firmer foundation for its recognition as a global martial discipline.
Yet, Silambam has its share of challenges. The foremost, of course, is institutional support. It has poor financial support compared to mainstream sports like cricket and football, which restricts a professional pursuit in this discipline. The standardization of training methodologies as well as an international recognition for the art could help it in this regard. Work is underway towards the acceptance of Silambam in sporting events – many feel that Silambam can be developed into a key competition in the Asian Games and, later, the Olympics.
Silambam is not just a martial art; it is a living cultural treasure that mirrors the eternal history and enduring resistance of Tamil heritage. Increased awareness, governmental support, and tireless efforts from practitioners will reinstate Silambam on the world map. With more and more people becoming aware of Silambam for self-defense or fitness, its legacy is thriving in Chennai.
— Article by Geethanjali Rajakkannu. Pictures by Thamayandhi R.