Mardani Khel, a famous Indian martial art, belongs to which state?

Mardani Khel is a traditional armed martial art of Maharashtra. The name means "game of the brave men" (mardani means manly or brave). It is especially associated with Kolhapur.

Key features of Mardani Khel:

• It is known for its use of weapons, especially the "patta" (a long gauntlet sword) and the "vita" (a corded lance or spear with a rope attached, used for throwing and pulling back).
• Other weapons include swords, shields, spears, the "lathi" (stick), daggers and the "bichwa".
• It is marked by quick footwork, circular movements and the ability to defend against several attackers.

History:

• Mardani Khel developed in the 17th century and is closely associated with the Maratha warriors, especially Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose soldiers used guerrilla warfare tactics in the hilly terrain of the Sahyadris.
• After the British banned many martial arts, it survived in a few families and training centres, especially in Kolhapur.
• Today it is performed during festivals, processions and Shiv Jayanti.

Other martial arts of India:

• Kalaripayattu: Kerala; one of the oldest martial arts in the world.
• Gatka: Punjab; a Sikh martial art using sticks and swords.
• Thang-Ta (Huyen Langlon): Manipur; uses swords (thang) and spears (ta).
• Silambam: Tamil Nadu; a staff-fighting art.
• Paika Akhada: Odisha.
• Lathi Khela: West Bengal.
• Kuttu Varisai: Tamil Nadu; unarmed combat.
• Thoda: Himachal Pradesh; a martial art using bows and arrows.
• In 2021, four indigenous games, Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta and Mallakhamb, were included in the Khelo India Youth Games, and Yogasana was added too.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Kerala's martial art is Kalaripayattu.
• ✗Punjab's martial art is Gatka.
• ✗Manipur's martial art is Thang-Ta.