The early history of Bothati as a distinct system is difficult to trace prior to the 17th century, but it is said to owe its development to the particular geographic conditions of Maharashtra.

A hilly region characterized by valleys and caves, the inhabitants became expert horsemen who favoured light armour and highly mobile cavalry units during war.

[1] Mardani khel began its rise to prominence during the early 1600s when the Deccan sultanates relied on the guerilla tactics of Maratha units led by Shahaji.

The heavily martial culture and propensity for the spear of the Marathi people is mentioned as early as the 7th century by the Chinese monk Xuanzang.

Each time they are about to engage in conflict, they intoxicate themselves with wine, and then one man with lance in hand will meet ten thousand and challenges them in fight.