When you think of martial arts, you might picture the swift kicks of Taekwondo or the powerful punches of Karate. But nestled in the lush hills of Manipur, a north-eastern state in India, lies a lesser-known yet deeply rooted martial art called Thang-Ta — a dramatic, disciplined fusion of combat and culture that dates back centuries.What is Thang-Ta?Thang-Ta, meaning “The Art of the Sword and Spear”, is a martial art practised by the Meitei people of Manipur. The name itself is a combination of ‘Thang’ (sword) and ‘Ta’ (spear), the two primary weapons used. But Thang-Ta is more than just a fighting technique. It’s a blend of combat skills, spiritual expression, and cultural storytelling, incorporating breath control, agility, and graceful yet powerful movements.Originally, Thang-Ta wasn’t about putting on a show. It was a serious form of self-defence and battlefield strategy used during warfare, including the protection of the Meitei kingdom. The unarmed version of the art is called Sarit-Sarak, which involves intricate footwork, hand techniques, and even wrestling (locally known as Mukna).A glimpse into historyAccording to Meitei legends, Thang-Ta was born from the limbs of Tin Sidaba, the mythical creator of their people. Passed down through generations, it became a pillar of Manipuri martial culture.However, during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, the British colonial rulers banned the practice of Thang-Ta, fearing its power and patriotic symbolism. Fortunately, it saw a revival in 1934, thanks to Maharaja Churachand, and has since re-emerged as both a martial discipline and a performing art.More than a martial artThang-Ta is practised in several forms. One focuses on actual combat. Another incorporates rituals and dances, such as the Thangkairol (sword dance) and Khosarol (spear dance) — both war dances that honour ancestors and the martial spirit.The lion’s posture is one of its foundational stances: standing with feet at a forty-five-degree angle, body leaning forward, and forming a straight line from the toes to the chin. Rather than fighting to the death, duels are often won by the first to draw blood, testing precision and control rather than brute force.Interestingly, some forms of Thang-Ta are even performed during funerals, and aspects of it have influenced traditional Manipuri classical dances like Pung Cholom, Pala Cholom, and Lai Haraoba.Modern revivalUntil 1985, Thang-Ta knowledge remained exclusive to the Meitei community. The first person to teach it outside Manipur was Khilton Nongmaithem, and today, Ojha Premkumar is recognised as the art’s current grandmaster.Now, Thang-Ta is taught in some schools across Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir, integrated into general education due to its spiritual, social, physical, and cultural significance.
