Page 5 - Physical Education in Ancient India
P. 5
Ayurveda
Ayurveda, also known as the science for prolongation of life, makes a
thorough study of the human body, its different types and needs, and
accordingly proposes nutrition and specific exercises and methods for
optimum body development, with emphasis on strength and agility.
In Ayurveda, strength was considered the basis of health and physical
development. By the acquisition of strength, each and every internal
organ, the heart, the brain, the lungs, the liver and the kidneys, the
external senses, the limbs, ought to be able to perform their functions
without any fault or disorder.
Kalaripayattu is the world’s oldest martial art and fighting
system, which originated in Kerala. The word kalari first
appears in the Tamil Sangam literature (c. 300BCE to
300CE). Legend traces this martial art form to Sage
Parashurama.
