Chapter 2: History and Culture of Physical Education in India

According to the Charaka-saṁhitā, the words promoted are exercise and rest, lightness of body, and fatigue and recovery.

Charaka-saṁhitā explains that proper physical exercise, called vyāyāma, makes the body strong, stable, light, and active. It also teaches that exercise should be done in moderation, not excessively. Proper rest and recovery after exercise are also important. Heaviness and sleepiness are not promoted because they show laziness or lack of activity. Faster breathing, hunger, and thirst may happen after exercise, but they are not the main goals of exercise.

I will encircle Kerala on the map of India.

Some popular games and physical activities of Kerala are Kalaripayattu, Vallam Kali or boat race, football, athletics, and traditional martial exercises. Kalaripayattu is a famous martial art of Kerala, while Vallam Kali is popular because Kerala has many rivers, lakes, and backwaters.

Some games have different names in different parts of India. For example, wrestling is also called Kushti, Pehlwani, or Malla-yuddha. Stick fighting has forms like Lathi, Gatka, and Silambam.

Geographic terrain affects sports. Coastal and river regions encourage water sports. Hilly regions encourage trekking and climbing. Plains support kabaddi, wrestling, hockey, and athletics. Thus, landforms, climate, and lifestyle influence the sports of a region.

A list of shlokas and references related to physical activities and physical culture is given below:

1. Kumārasambhavam — “शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्।” — Meaning: The body is the foremost instrument of doing good deeds.
2. Charaka-saṁhitā — **“शरीरचेष्टा या चेष्टा स्थैर्यार्था बलवर्धिनी। — देहव्यायामसङ्ख्याता मात्रया तां समाचरेत॥”** — Meaning: Physical movement that increases strength and stability is called exercise, and it should be done in moderation.
3. Kaṭhopaniṣhad — “नायमात्मा बलहीनेन लभ्यः।” — Meaning: The self cannot be attained by the weak.