Traditional Indian Wrestling KUSHTI / PEHLWANI Malla-yuddha: India's Ancient Art of Wrestling

Kushti,  also  known  as  Pehlwani  and  classically  as  Malla-yuddha,  is  one  of  the world's  oldest  living  wrestling  traditions,  practiced  in  India  for  over  2,000  years.

This  research  paper  examines  its  historical  origins  in  ancient  Sanskrit  texts,  its regional  distribution  across  North  and  Central  India,  the  sacred  institution  of  the akhara,  its  rigorous  training,  diet  and  moral  code,  and  its  enduring  cultural significance.  Drawing  on  traditional  knowledge  and  contemporary  observation,  the paper argues that Kushti is not merely a sport but a holistic way of life embodying discipline, humility, community welfare, and India's intangible cultural heritage.