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2 Sikhs Sparring in Gatka
Introduction
Introduction
Gatka/Gatkabaazi is a martial art that was adopted traditionally by the Sikhs as a part of Shastar Vidya (Knowledge of Weaponry). The word Gatka is derived from the Sanskrit word Gatayas or motion, but the Punjabi word Gatka normally refers to the wooden stick (also known as Sotee) used in practice to teach techniques of attack and defence, which can apply to a wide range of Shastar. Gatka originates from the need to defend righteousness, and is based on the unification of the spirit and the mind, i.e. Miri-Piri (explained below).
Miri-Piri
Miri-Piri
The 6th Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, at his Gurgaddi Divas (a ceremony to initiate the Guru onto the throne), asked Baba Buddha Ji for two swords which they wore on each side of their body. The Sangat (Holy congregation) was surprised to see this. Guru Ji explained that He would always wear two swords. Miri represents temporal authority, encouraging Sikhs to engage in worldly responsibilities, protect justice, and defend the oppressed, while Piri signifies spiritual authority, focusing on devotion, ethical living, and a connection with Vaheguru (God). Together, they embody Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teaching of balancing worldly responsibility with spiritual wisdom to lead a balanced and meaningful life.
Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji adorned two swords of Miri and Piri. To which, They are known as Miri Piri de Malik (the King of the temporal and spiritual powers).
Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji addressing the Akaal Sena
History of Shastar Vidya
History of Shastar Vidya
In 1606, the 5th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was arrested and falsely accused of supporting a rebellion led by Khusrau Mirza. In reality, the then Mughal King Jahangir was getting jealous of the increasingly large support the Sikh Gurus were amassing. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was given a choice to give up Sikhi (the path of the Sikhs) and accept Islam as his religion. The previous kings of the Mughal empire were accommodating towards the Sikhs, but things had changed and Sikhs needed to defend themselves. Baba Budha Ji, a devout follower of the 1st Sikh Guru, Sat Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was given the knowledge of Shastar Vidya by Sat Guru Nanak Dev Ji Himself. He trained the Akaal Sena (Immortal Army – the first Sikh Army) in Shastar Vidya led by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Under His leadership, the Akaal Sena fought and won all its battles including 4 major wars against the Mughal empire and its allies, even though the Akaal Sena was outnumbered each time.
Gatka Training
Gatka Training
The training begins with learning the Painthra, meaning footwork, or more broadly, the strategy for engagement. This is followed by an instruction of the weapons beginning with open-handed combat (bahu yudh) and a stick made of bamboo, known as marahati. In addition to this other weapons used in the art-form include, Chakra (a round weapon with little wooden balls), Sotee (a long wooden stick), Tega (a long and broad sword), Tabar (axe), guraj (mace), Barchha (spear), and the Khanda (double-edged sword). Of these, the combination of the Sotee/Gatka and Ferri/Phari (shield) is the most common, followed by the Kirpan and Dhal (shield). Sri Dasam Granth Sahib dictates the usage of the weapons in Gatka. The weapons may be classified by their use into Mukta weapons – to be used either by hand or released from machines like the catapult or bow – and Amukata weapons which are held in the hand. These weapons are placed either in the Kamarkasa (cummerbund) or within the Dastar (turban).
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