| General Information |
Thang-ta is an Indian martial art, which was developed by the Meitei people from Manipur, a small state in Northeast India. Next to kalarippayattu it is the most known martial art in India. The martial art consists of armed and unarmed fighting techniques, the formal name for the system is huyen lallong (the art of warfare) (Ray 2001). Thang-ta makes use of the spear and the sword. Thang refers to the sword while ta means spear. The art is closely tied to dance and ritual practice. |
| History/Development |
The history of the Meiteis is characterized by warfare with neighbouring kingdoms intermitted by peaceful times. Thang-ta with its long and energetic practice sessions, allowed Meitei warriors to hone their combat skills in times of peace as well as war. After the Anglo-Manipuri War and the annexation to the British Empire in 1891 the martial art was banned, underground however it was kept alive. After India gained independence in 1947 it reemerged (Ray 2001). |
Transmission
(Policies/institutions) |
Today, thang-ta is popular in Manipur both as a martial art form and as a technique used in theater and dance. It receives support from the state and has gained popularity. All over Manipur a number of martial arts academies train men and women in thang-ta, and many dance and theater schools have thang-ta available in their course offerings (Ray 2001). |
| Relevant Organisations |
- World Thang-Ta Federation (WTTF)
- Thang-Ta Federation of India (TTFI) |
| Additional Materials |
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| References |
- Ray, S. (2001). “Thang-Ta”. In Green, T. and Svinth, J. (eds.) Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. |
