1. Introduction:
We have come across many martial forms like Judo, Wrestling, and Boxing. But have you heard about a martial art form that uses a stick for self-defence? Yes, that’s an art form called Silambattam. It is quite a popular martial art in Tamil Nadu.
It is said to have originated with Agastiya, a sage. Even though we don’t know the exact source of its beginning, the art form has survived for more than a thousand years and is still patronized by people worldwide, even with international federations.
2. Origin:
When our ancestors didn’t have modern generational weapons like pistols or swords, they transformed a basic ‘stick’ into a martial art that helped protect themselves. This martial art emerged around 1000 BCE, known as the early Dravidian era.
The word ‘Silambattam’ derives from the Tamil words “Silam”, which means mountain and “bam”, which means bamboo. The literal translation means ‘it is a stick made of bamboo’. Initially, people used this for self-defence. This practice continues to date. The people who lived in the mountains used this primarily. They used this defence technique to protect their cattle and themselves from being looted. So, early Indian villagers became the masters of this art.
3. Skills and methods:
As for all Silambam techniques, the emphasis is placed on steps or footwork. The martial art teaches respect. It requires people to perform ‘guru vanakkam’ – a form of respect to the stick. Even though the stick may be a non-living thing, it is Tamil culture to respect everything and everyone in this world. The art form also emphasizes this perfectly. Additionally, there are several types of stick spinning: rotating above the head, rotating in the front, blocking positions, etc.
For the stick to be rotated perfectly, the art requires calmness, composure, and good body balance. The skill requires quick thinking and rapid application of techniques. The stick has to be rotated as fast as the level increases. When we go to the southernmost part of the Tamil Nadu state, Silambam masters tend to have the knowledge of Marman (pressure points used for both attack and heal), joint lock technique, and Urmi flexible sword skills.
This art form is closely related to another art form of Kerala, ‘Kalari’. Many senior Silambam masters know about Kuttu Varisai, an empty-hand technique which is a counterpart of Adi Thada in South-style Kalaripayattu. Practising Silambam improves our cardiovascular endurance, reduces weight, and keeps us fit. It keeps both our body and mind bound to each other. This art also tunes our discipline and concentration.
4. Preparing the stick- The main element:
For any art form, the main element or equipment is essential. Without it, the art holds no value. Just as drawing requires a pen or pencil, Silambam depends on its primary tool- the stick, known as kambu in Tamil. There is a traditional and detailed process involved in making it. Let us explore that here.
4.1. Selecting wood:
The making of this stick starts with selecting a tree, mostly bamboo, or even teak or cane is sometimes used. The process of choosing the wood mainly depends on its lightweight, strength, and flexibility. The chosen tree should be crack-free and straight for the best outcome of the stick.
4.2. Making of a stick:
The chosen tree’s stem is cut to either a short length or a long length. Long length sticks are about 5-6 feet, while the short sticks are about 3-4 feet. The people who make these ensure that these cuts are very smooth and perfect. Then they remove the outer layer of this tree by using a knife or sandpaper nowadays. They will make sure not to remove more than a certain limit, as it may reduce the strength of the stick.
4.3. Final touch:
Some of the sticks chosen may be slightly bent. In order to straighten it, they show the curved area near the mild fire while gently bending that specific part. Then they will cool the stick. After this process, a perfect, straight and strong stick emerges. They apply linseed oil or coconut oil slightly and will allow it to dry for 1-2 days. This process prevents cracking and increases flexibility.
Before sending it to market, artisans ensure that the stick doesn’t feel heavy on one specific side. These sticks are naturally varnished and have strong materials which can last for several days.
5. From ancient to modern cultures:
This art form has been used against the British when they tried to capture India. Around 1760-1799, when Pulidevan and Veerapandiya Kattabomman had their rule in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, they were against the Britishers, who tortured the poor people to pay taxes. As a result, a war broke out, and there are instances where the Tamils used ‘Silambam’ as a tool for fighting.
From the 16th century to the 20th century, there were several people who mastered the art of Silambam. Nowadays, Silambam doesn’t simply involve spinning the sticks. People attach fires to the end of sticks and spin them. People also practice with swords as a part of this martial art.
6. Rebirth of the art:
Before the 18th century, Silambam was a highly popular skill among the natives. However, under the colonial era of British, which ranged from 18th-20th century, the art experienced a decline. After India’s independence in 1947, various revival efforts helped Silambam regain its place.
6.1. Federations and organisations:
Even though this art form dates back a long way, people of Tamil Nadu still respect and learn this as a very important martial art. In 2004, the All India Silambam Federation was registered by the Government of Tamil Nadu. On 17th August 2010, an executive committee meeting was held in Nagercoil, and the decision was taken to form the World Silambam Federation. The World Silambam Association (WSA) was founded in 1999 by Guruji Murugan Chillayah. It is the official governing body established internationally for this ancient martial art form. It has its headquarters in Malaysia and is currently affiliated with UN SDGs, UN-IGF, and UN-Global.
WSA’s main aim is to preserve, promote, and globalise Silambam both as a traditional art and modern sport. It has its members from 25 different countries spread across 5 continents. They focus on health, fitness, and preserving culture. They organise official competitions which follow a strict age division, with participation allowed from age 13 and above. The WSA tries to have standard rules and regulate competitions, striving to achieve Olympic and Paralympic recognition for this sport.
6.2. People and silambam schools:
Apart from the organisations mentioned above, there are several organisations functioning for the welfare of the Silambam martialists. They have taken huge steps in preserving and promoting this art. We can find a lot of Silambam schools in every district of Tamil Nadu. It has grown into a very great art form, and children studying in schools who are aged 4–5 also take this.
In recent days, its popularisation as youth sports has kindled its revival among teenagers, school children. Many competitions and prizes are awarded to the students, and hence their interest exponentially grows. This art form can even act as a cultural diplomacy between countries in the coming days.
6.3. Pop culture:
Many famous actors in the Tamil film industry, such as M. G. Ramachandran and Rajinikanth, have portrayed Silambam to defeat enemies. In movies like ‘Vivasayi’ and ‘Thayai Katha Thanayan’ , M. G. Ramachandran displays remarkable Silambam skills. Similarly Rajinikanth performs Silambam in films such as ‘Kai Kodukkum Kai’. Even blockbuster films like ‘Baahubali’ and ‘Thevar Magan’ portrays scenes where actors perform Silambam as a form of fighting . In such areas, Silambam seems to show off the ‘Manliness of Tamil’. But Silambam is also very popular among Tamil girls nowadays, and many actresses like Sai Dhanshika love to practice Silambam as an ideal Tamil heroine.
Besides movies, Silambam is also represented in books such as Silambam- Karunaadaga Varusai by Bagavathy C., and has been performed on platforms like India’s Got Talent. On social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram, people of all ages-from five-year-old children to elderly practitioners- enthusiastically showcase their Silambam skills. Notable achievements include the longest continuous Silambam freestyle rotation of 2 hours and 25 minutes by M. Sundar and R. Manikandan in 2025, and the record for 55 rotations around the head in 30 seconds by 12-year-old Honeeswari M. in 2023, both officially recognized in India’s record books.
‘Silambam’ was never about gender. It’s about resilience, confidence, strength, and discipline.
7. Conclusion:
Despite some adversities, we are taking a huge leap in preserving this art form as a whole. Silambam is not merely an art form to protect us-it tells us the values of discipline, concentration, and physical strength, which build us stronger. This is a martial art form aimed at self-defence and physical and mental health. Let’s preserve this art form by learning, promoting, and supporting it!