Mardani khel Mardani khel Mardani khel is a weapon-based Indian martial art from Maharashtra. It is particularly known for its use of the uniquely Indian patta (sword) and "vita" (corded lance). The early history of mardani khel as a distinct system is difficult to trace prior to the 1600s, but it is said to owe its development to the particular geographic conditions of Maharashtra. A hilly region characterized by valleys and caves, the inhabitants became expert horsemen who favoured light armour and highly mobile cavalry units during war. Whether they began as kshatriya or shudra is unclear, but the Maratha's reputation was
Indian martial arts flexible sword. The Marathas developed their fighting style based on the state's hilly geography. [[Mardani khel]] today teaches armed techniques for use in single combat as well as defense against several opponents. Other weapons include the sword, shield, spear, dagger, kukri, double deer horns, and bow and arrow. The Manipuri art of "huyen lalong" was once practiced by the state's indigenous hill tribes who would engage in duels governed by strict rules of conduct. The armed component called [[thang-ta]] is named after the system's main weapons, the "thang" (sword) and "ta" (spear). Practitioners spar through "cheibi gatka" in which a