Pune, a city in Maharashtra, is currently witnessing a rise in the number of people, both locals and foreigners, who are eager to learn ‘Mardani Khel,’ a historic martial art form. This traditional combat style, dating back to the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is being taught at the Shri Shivajiraje Mardani Akhada in Shivajinagar.
The Shri Shivajiraje Mardani Akhada has been dedicated to preserving and teaching Mardani Khel for the past 25 years. With around 150 students attending daily training sessions, the art form is gaining popularity and recognition for its cultural and historical significance.
Students from diverse backgrounds, including IT professionals, homemakers, and even foreigners, are actively participating in the training. The head coach, Vijay Ayawale Patil, who learned Mardani Khel in Kolhapur, believes in the importance of this martial art in developing discipline, focus, and self-defense skills.
The training sessions take place at Rokdoba Mandir Hall in Shivajinagar Gaonthan, with sessions held from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM daily. The monthly fee for training is Rs 1,000.
The annual showcase of the students of Shri Shivajiraje Mardani Akhada during the Ganesh Utsav procession of Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganesh Mandal is a significant event. Additionally, the participation of foreign nationals like Latoya from Germany in training workshops and performances during the Ganesh Utsav highlights the international interest in Mardani Khel.
Mardani Khel, a legacy of the Marathas, has been practiced in Maharashtra for centuries, with a focus on weapon-based combat techniques and exploiting anatomical weaknesses during combat. The renewed interest in Mardani Khel not only showcases Maharashtra’s rich martial heritage but also aims to gain broader recognition and become a national sport.
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