In the past, sticks could be paired with shields, as can still be seen in nori bari (mock stick-fight) demonstrations.

Rich farmers and other eminent people hired lathial for security and as a symbol of their power.

[7] Although lathi is practised in Indian and Bangladeshi villages, urbanization has led to its decline as a rural martial art in recent decades.

Until 1989, an annual nationwide lathi khela convention was held in Kushtia, Bangladesh, where troupes from all over the country took part.

Matches are generally one-on-one, but the art includes mock-group fights or baoi jhak.