Why has Silambam witnessed such a decline in popularity and exposure?
It is widely believed that British colonialism was responsible for a decline in indigenous martial arts. Throughout southern India, every large temple maintained a centre for learning martial arts, but during the colonial period these centres found themselves 'closed', and consequently, martial arts training went 'underground'. Even village folk-dramas were discouraged to prevent dissemination of anti-colonial sentiments.
However, colonialism is not fully to blame! The decline of an art no longer required in its original form but which does require extreme discipline to perfect, is not surprising. Silambam demands enormous physical and mental stamina from those who practise it, effort that simply does not have the same appeal as the benefits of information technology to south India's rising elite. To truly embody the warrior spirit, students should lead the life of an ascetic. Silambam must become a lifestyle. The student, or rather disciple, can live only for their art. They must forgo alcohol, cigarettes and sex!
Despite the historical diaspora of Silambam beyond the borders of India - and despite Silambam having formed the foundation of many martial art forms known today, Kalaripayattu in Kerala to name but one - Silambam is largely a regional art form and somewhat secretive in character. Furthermore, its profound contribution to the evolution of martial arts throughout the world is superceded in recognition at national level by the classical arts. Thus, Silambam is still relatively unknown, struggling to maintain its rightful place in the pantheon of global martial arts.
So how does Silambam survive? Firstly, Silambam masters within south India must continue to teach with dedication and passion, but most importantly, they must be the best role models to their students. (Sadly, too often this is not the case, with unfit masters rarely imparting holistic training to their students). Secondly, regional Silambam associations must work together, openly sharing techniques, rather than egotistically advocating that their individual styles are the best.
What is most encouraging is the increasingly growing interest in Silambam outside of India, in addition to the Tamil communities across the globe that are more familiar with Silambam as part of their ancient heritage. The combined spiritual and physical benefits of Silambam have attracted students from France, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Iran, UK and USA.
As more and more of us search these days for an holistic solution to health and wellbeing, perhaps a step back into the past holds the key. Obviously, taking up a strenuous martial art is not for everyone! But, if Silambam is to survive and continue from generation to generation, at least it's a step in the right direction!
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