Indian physical culture

[2][3] Buddhist universities such as Nalanda taught various forms of physical culture, such as swimming and archery,[4] with Buddha himself having been well-acquainted with martial activities prior to his enlightenment.

[5] Gurukulas focused significantly on physical education alongside academics, with Hindu epics such as the Ramayana often depicting kings marrying off their daughters to men who excelled in athletic events.

[26] Bengalis became particularly involved in seeking to combat British stereotypes of effeteness by pursuing physical culture and martial arts,[27][28][29] with organizations such as the Hindu Mela contributing.

[38] Indians also sought to standardize and revitalize their native physical culture during this time period, with institutions such as the akharas and vyayamshalas playing a role.

"stay strong"), which is seeking to revive traditional Indian workouts and which has received significant interest from different groups in the cricket world.

[43] The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has encouraged loyalty to India as a Hindu country in its followers through the practice of traditional Indian physical culture.

[44] In the colonial era, gyms and other physical culture institutions helped freedom fighters build their strength towards anti-colonial resistance.

Mallakhamb , a traditional Indian form of yoga done on a pole. [ 1 ]
Kodi Rammurthy Naidu was a famous colonial-era strongman who helped counter British accusations of effeminacy among Indian men. [ 23 ]
An Indian club swinging team in 1890's England.
The Hindu push-up, also known as a dand. This is the most basic version, similar to that used by Bruce Lee who referred to it as a cat stretch.
Statue of Shiva performing yoga in the lotus position
A pair of painted Indian clubs from the late 19th century as used in rhythmic gymnastics .