Martial Arts of India Practice Questions
20 free Martial Arts of India practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following is considered one of the oldest martial arts in the world and originated in the state of Kerala?
- A Silambam
- B Musti-yuddha
- C Inbuan wrestling
- D Kalaripayattu
Correct answer: Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu originated in Kerala during the 3rd century BC and is known as the 'Mother of all martial arts'. It includes strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry training.
'Silambam', a weapon-based martial art characterized by the use of a bamboo staff, is native to which Indian state?
- A Tamil Nadu
- B Karnataka
- C Andhra Pradesh
- D Kerala
Correct answer: Tamil Nadu
Silambam is a traditional staff-fencing martial art from Tamil Nadu. The name is derived from the Tamil word 'Silam', which refers to mountains, and 'Bambam', referring to bamboo.
The martial art form 'Gatka', which involves wooden sticks and shields, is traditionally associated with which religious community?
- A Naga Sadhus
- B Buddhist Monks
- C Jains
- D Sikhs
Correct answer: Sikhs
Gatka is a style of stick-fighting originated by the Punjabi Sikhs. It is a weapon-based martial art that was used by the Nihang Sikh warriors for self-defense and during battles.
'Thang-Ta', a martial art form involving the use of a sword and a spear, belongs to which North-Eastern state?
- A Mizoram
- B Nagaland
- C Manipur
- D Sikkim
Correct answer: Manipur
Thang-Ta is the martial art of the Meitei people of Manipur. 'Thang' refers to a sword and 'Ta' refers to a spear, which are the primary weapons used in this practice.
Which of the following martial arts is a traditional form of wrestling practiced in Varanasi and other parts of North India?
- A Musti-yuddha
- B Pehlwani
- C Malla-yuddha
- D Inbuan wrestling
Correct answer: Musti-yuddha
Musti-yuddha is an ancient unarmed martial art from Varanasi that utilizes punches, kicks, and knee strikes. It is one of the four branches of traditional Malla-yuddha.
'Mardani Khel' is a traditional weapon-based martial art that flourished in which Indian state?
- A Gujarat
- B Rajasthan
- C Maharashtra
- D Madhya Pradesh
Correct answer: Maharashtra
Mardani Khel is a Maratha martial art from Maharashtra, particularly associated with the city of Kolhapur. It focuses on the use of weapons like the Patta (sword) and Vita (corded spear).
The martial art form 'Lathi Khela', which uses a bamboo stick, is predominantly practiced in which two states?
- A Punjab and Haryana
- B Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- C Assam and Manipur
- D West Bengal and Bihar
Correct answer: West Bengal and Bihar
Lathi Khela is a traditional stick-fighting martial art practiced in West Bengal and Bihar. It is often performed during festivals like Durga Puja and Muharram.
'Kuttu Varisai', an unarmed martial art that uses various animal-inspired striking techniques, is a component of which larger system?
- A Kalaripayattu
- B Thoda
- C Silambam
- D Gatka
Correct answer: Silambam
Kuttu Varisai is the unarmed combat aspect of Silambam from Tamil Nadu. It translates to 'Punching Sequence' and uses strikes inspired by animals like the tiger, elephant, and snake.
In which state is 'Thoda', a martial art form that combines dance and archery during the Baisakhi festival, practiced?
- A Uttarakhand
- B Punjab
- C Himachal Pradesh
- D Jammu and Kashmir
Correct answer: Himachal Pradesh
Thoda is a martial art from Himachal Pradesh that traces its roots to the Pandavas and Kauravas. It involves two teams competing to hit the opponent's leg below the knee with arrows.
'Sarit Sarak' is the unarmed combat component of the martial arts system of which state?
- A Manipur
- B Tripura
- C Nagaland
- D Assam
Correct answer: Manipur
Sarit Sarak is an unarmed martial art from Manipur used for self-defense when one is disarmed. It is practiced alongside the weapon-based Thang-Ta system.
The martial art 'Pari-Khanda', which influenced the movements of the Chhau dance, was created by the Rajputs of which state?
- A Assam
- B Bihar
- C Odisha
- D Rajasthan
Correct answer: Bihar
Pari-Khanda originated in Bihar; 'Pari' means shield and 'Khanda' means sword. Its steps and techniques are still utilized in the training of Chhau dancers.
'Sqay' is a traditional martial art involving a curved sword and a shield, originating from which region?
- A Ladakh
- B Kashmir
- C Sikkim
- D Arunachal Pradesh
Correct answer: Kashmir
Sqay is a Kashmiri martial art that dates back to the ancient era of the region. It involves the use of a wooden sword (Tura) and a shield (Bargula).
'Inbuan' is a traditional form of folk wrestling that is a major part of the culture of which state?
- A Mizoram
- B Meghalaya
- C Nagaland
- D Tripura
Correct answer: Mizoram
Inbuan is a traditional wrestling style of Mizoram. It is characterized by strict rules prohibiting the lifting of feet off the ground and focuses on forcing the opponent out of a circle.
Which martial art from Andhra Pradesh involves the use of a variety of weapons and is often performed during the festival of Vijayadashami?
- A Kathi Samu
- B Malla Khamb
- C Paika Akhada
- D Gatka
Correct answer: Kathi Samu
Kathi Samu is an ancient sword-fighting martial art from Andhra Pradesh. It is performed by the royal families and warriors of the region and features intricate footwork and rhythmic patterns.
'Paika Akhada' is a martial art form that was used by the peasant militias (Paikas) of which state to resist British rule?
- A West Bengal
- B Odisha
- C Jharkhand
- D Bihar
Correct answer: Odisha
Paika Akhada is a traditional martial art from Odisha. It combines physical exercise and combat training using shields and swords, and was famously used during the Paika Rebellion of 1817.
The martial art form 'Huyen Langlon' is a collective term for which two components from Manipur?
- A Sarit Sarak and Thang-Ta
- B Gatka and Silambam
- C Musti-yuddha and Pari-Khanda
- D Thoda and Sqay
Correct answer: Sarit Sarak and Thang-Ta
Huyen Langlon is the traditional martial art of Manipur. It consists of 'Thang-Ta' (the armed component) and 'Sarit Sarak' (the unarmed component).
Which of the following is a traditional pole-based exercise and martial art form that originated in Maharashtra?
- A Mardani Khel
- B Mallakhamb
- C Kuttu Varisai
- D Inbuan
Correct answer: Mallakhamb
Mallakhamb is a traditional sport where a gymnast performs aerial yoga or gymnastics postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical wooden pole. It was historically used to train warriors.
'Bandesh' is an ancient Indian martial art technique that focuses on which specific action?
- A Sword fighting techniques
- B Archery
- C Disarming an opponent
- D Spear throwing
Correct answer: Disarming an opponent
Bandesh refers to a collection of techniques used to disarm an armed opponent without killing them. It is an intricate part of several Indian martial arts systems.
Which martial art form from Kerala is specifically known for its focus on 'Marmas' or vital pressure points in the human body?
- A Musti-yuddha
- B Kalaripayattu
- C Kuttu Varisai
- D Paika Akhada
Correct answer: Kalaripayattu
Advanced practitioners of Kalaripayattu study 'Marma Vidya', the knowledge of 108 vital points in the body. Striking these points can disable or even kill an opponent instantly.
The 'Naga Wrestling' style, which is a major highlight of the Hornbill Festival, belongs to which state?
- A Manipur
- B Nagaland
- C Arunachal Pradesh
- D Mizoram
Correct answer: Nagaland
Naga wrestling is an indigenous sport of the Naga people, particularly the Angami and Chakhesang tribes. It involves grasping the opponent's waist belt and trying to bring them to the ground.