Mallayuddha

Mallayuddha is the traditional Indian form of wrestling. The word comes from Sanskrit mallya meaning wrestler and yuddha meaning battle or combat. It describes wrestling matches or the sport in general, and is used to refer to the broader tradition of freehand grappling in the Indian subcontinent, closely associated with kushti or pehlwani.

Historically, mallayuddha featured in ancient and medieval Indian literature and martial culture. Wrestlers trained in clay or earthen arenas called akharas, under a guru. The akhara system organized long-term training and ritual discipline, with competitions at village fairs, temple grounds, or during tournaments.

In practice, matches center on grappling techniques, clinching, throws, pins, and trips. Rules vary by region and era; a win is commonly achieved by pinning both shoulders to the ground (a fall) or by a judge's decision after a contest. Competitors typically wear a loincloth (langot) and train in strict conditioning methods, using bodyweight drills, mats, and traditional training regimens.

In modern times, kushti and pehlwani remain active in parts of India and neighboring countries; the term mallayuddha is often used in literature and historical discussions to denote wrestling contests. The tradition reflects broader South Asian martial arts and sport heritage.