These ancient disciplines not only served as combat techniques but were also integral to the cultural and spiritual identity of various regions. 

1. Thang Ta – Manipur: 

Huyen langlon is an Indian martial art hailing from Manipur. In the Meitei language, Huyen means war while langlon can denote net, knowledge, or art.

This martial art comprises two main components: 

Thang-ta (armed combat) 

Sarit Sarak (unarmed fighting).

The primary weapons of Huyen langlon are the thang (sword) and ta (spear), with additional weapons like shields and axes.

2. Lathi Khela – West Bengal: 

Lathi, a wooden weapon, is an integral component of martial arts in states like Punjab and Bengal.

Beyond self-defense, lathi is a popular sport in Indian villages where practitioners are known as lathials.

3. Gatka – Punjab:

Gatka is a traditional martial art with roots intertwined with Sikh history.

It encompasses sword and stick-fighting skills, emphasizing self-control.

Historically, gatka evolved during the era of the 6th Sikh Guru, Hargobind, as a means of self-defense against Mughal adversaries.

It showcases stick fighting using wooden sticks (Soti) and shields.

10th Guru Gobind Singh made it mandatory for self-defense.

Originally confined to gurudwaras, gatka expanded its presence in sports after the formation of the Gatka Federation of India in 2008.

4. Kalaripayattu – Kerala:

Kalaripayattu is a martial art grounded in ancient knowledge of the human body.

Originating in Kerala during the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD, it is practiced in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

A training space for Kalaripayattu is called a 'Kalari,' meaning 'threshing floor' or 'battlefield.'

It's considered one of the oldest fighting systems globally and often referred to as the precursor to modern Kung-Fu.

5. Mallakhamb – Madhya Pradesh: 

Mallakhamb is a unique sport that combines aerial yoga, gymnastic postures, and wrestling grips on a stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope.

The name derives from 'malla' (wrestler) and 'khamb' (pole).

This traditional sport is popular in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

6. Silambam – Tamil Nadu: 

Silambam is a martial art from Tamil Nadu known for incorporating a wide range of weapons.

The art includes animal-inspired forms like snake, tiger, and eagle.

Footwork plays a crucial role in these art forms.

Legends attribute the creation of silambam to Lord Muruga and sage Agasthya.

7. Musti Yuddha – Varanasi: 

Musti Yuddha is an ancient martial art of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on unarmed combat techniques.

It emphasizes the use of punches, kicks, knees, and elbows.

This martial art requires precise physical and mental coordination for self-defense.

8. Kathi Samu – Andhra Pradesh:

Kathi Samu is a renowned ancient martial art from Andhra Pradesh, centered around sword fighting.

Different types of swords are commonly used in this martial art.

'Garidi' is the designated area for Kathi Samu, where practitioners hone their skills.

The stick fight, known as 'Vairi,' often serves as a precursor to actual sword fighting.

Sword skills include 'Gareja,' where a person wields four swords, two in each hand.

9. Sqay – Kashmir: 

Sqay, a martial art from Kashmir, focuses on sword fighting.

Armed Sqay practitioners use a curved single-edged sword and a shield.

Both single and double swords are used in this martial art, and it also incorporates various unarmed tactics.

10. Paika Akhada – Odisha: 

Paika akhada, also known as paika akhara, has its roots as a warrior scholar school in Odisha.

Historically, it functioned as a peasant militia training ground.

It showcases traditional physical activities and performances involving rhythmic gestures and weapons.

These diverse martial arts of India are not only testaments to self-defense but also living embodiments of rich cultural traditions. Each art form reflects the history, heritage, and spiritual values of its region, making them an essential part of India's cultural mosaic.