Pehlwani
Pehlwani, also known as Kushti, is a form of wrestling contested in the South Asia. It was developed in the Mughal Empire by combining Persian Koshti pahlevani with influences from native Indian Malla-yuddha. The words pehlwani and kushti derive from the Persian terms pahlavani (heroic) and koshti (wrestling, lit. killing) respectively, meaning Heroic wrestling. A practitioner of this sport is referred to as a pehlwan (Persian word for hero) while teachers are known as ustad (Persian word for teacher or master).
Pehlwani-style wrestling match in Davangere, Karnataka, India (2005). | |
| Also known as | Kushti |
|---|---|
| Focus | Wrestling |
| Country of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Famous practitioners | Dara Singh The Great Gama Bholu Pahalwan Nathmal Pahalwan Banda Singh Bahadur Krishan Kumar Harishchandra Birajdar Jatindra Charan Goho Sushil Kumar Narsingh Yadav Khashaba Jadhav |
| Parenthood | Koshti pahlevani Malla-yuddha |
| Descendant arts | Catch wrestling |
| Olympic sport | No |
One of the most famous practitioners of Pehlwani was The Great Gama (Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt), who is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Kodi Rammurthy Naidu was another example. Brahmdev Mishra is another example of an Indian wrestler who was known for his technique and physique not only in India but all over the world. Pehlwani is one among the sports that influenced catch wrestling, which in turn partially inspired folkstyle wrestling, freestyle wrestling, and mixed martial arts (MMA).