In the twilight of the 18th century, as the British Empire tightened its grip on India, a shadow fell upon the ancient martial art of silambam. Fearing the prowess of skilled Tamil warriors, the colonizers banned the practice, shattering a tradition that had thrived for centuries. Silambam, once a symbol of strength and cultural pride, was fragmented and driven to the brink of extinction.
But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the spirit of silambam endures. Today, a new generation of practitioners is breathing life into this ancient art, determined to reclaim its lost glory. V Manigandan, a 32-year-old class 10 dropout, is a skilled silambam master who received training in the ancient martial art from his uncles in Erode over a decade ago during his school days. He has been practicing and perfecting the art ever since.
Manigandan, aka Malarmani, is also a professional photographer. He earns his living from photography after inheriting his uncle's photo studio in Dharmapuri. He has brought a photographer's eye for detail while striving to revive the ancient martial art.
This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Coimbatore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Coimbatore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Maha's Newest Initiative Aims To Protect Its Forts
The government's proactive measures to protect these forts ensure that visitors can continue to experience Maharashtra's rich historical offerings for aeons to come.
JD(U) flip-flop on withdrawal of support to Biren govt in Manipur
THE Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday sacked its Manipur unit president Ksh Biren Singh, hours after he wrote to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla informing him of the party's withdrawal of support to the BJP-led government in the state.
Control of Rafah crossing will stay with Israel
ISRAEL said it will maintain control of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas.
Presumptive tax benefit extended to non-resident cruise ship owners
THE government has notified presumptive tax for non-residents engaged in the business of operation of cruise ships.
Samantha Unveils Super Champs Jersey
CHENNAI Super Champs owner and actor, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, unveiled the team's fiery yellow-and-red jersey at a function held at Sathyabama University, here on Tuesday.
J&K village declared containment zone after 5 more cases surface
FIVE new cases of a mysterious illness have been reported in the remote village of Badhal in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Liverpool Seal Last-16 Berth, Barca Post Epic Victory in CL
LIVERPOOL beat Lille 2-1 on Tuesday to maintain their perfect record in this season's Champions League and clinch qualification for the last 16, while Barcelona produced a stunning comeback to beat Benfica 5-4 in a classic to secure their own place.
China Commissions New-Gen Frigate as Competition Rises
CHINA's navy commissioned a new-generation frigate as competition rises with the US and other regional powers, saying the ship will \"play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness\" of its forces.
Can't take cops extorting money lightly
THE Madras High Court has commented that policemen extorting money from the public is a serious offence and it cannot be taken lightly.
ISL: Odisha FC fight back to sink 10-man Bengaluru FC
Odisha FC fought back to post a thrilling 3-2 win over Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League in Bengaluru here on Wednesday.
