A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY OF SILAMBAMA Historical Perspective on the World's Oldest Martial Art
Silambam is a highly esteemed and superior form of self-defence for the Tamil people worldwide. Researchers argue that Silambam has existed since 5000 years ago, since prehistoric times and before the arrival of the Aryan people in India.
Therefore, Silambam is considered the oldest form of self-defence in the world. Silambam is one of the 64 arts outlined by traditional Tamil society as essential to be learned to become a complete individual. However, Silambam was not scientific in ancient times. The passage of time has modernized and solidified Silambam in line with the circumstances and interests of the times. The exercises and techniques of spinning the Silambam stick and so on have become refined.
During the development of the Buddhist religion, Silambam was brought to China and Japan by Buddhist monks, especially Bodhidharma, who defended Silambam in the city of Sang Han, Wei State in Northern China. Silambam experienced rapid development in the early 16th century. It became the foundation and essential for physical strength in military training before the sword was taught. Silambam spread to Southeast Asia between 1000 and 1500 years ago. This development is the result of the efforts of Tamil kings from India who migrated to this region.
In the late 14th century, Tamil workers from India were brought to Malaya by the British colonizers. These workers brought Silambam to Malaya. However, teachers who taught Silambam could only be traced back to 1920. During World War II, Silambam became particularly popular in Kuala Selangor, Kapar, and Kelang. Because Silambam is an art brought into Malaya from outside, it did not receive legal recognition under Western colonization. Therefore, Silambam had to be taught secretly, in the jungle and in places not frequented by people.