Mukna () is a form of wrestling from the
north-east Indian state of
Manipur. It is popular in
Imphal,
Thoubal and Bishnpur. The game is generally played on the last day of the Lai Haraoba festival and is an intrinsic part of the ceremonial functions.
Procedure
Matches begin with the competitors holding each other's belts called
ningri. The object is to pin the opponent with their back touching the ground. The winner is called a
yatra. Mukna contains many techniques (
lou) which require absolute physical fitness and skill to be mastered. Holding the opponent's neck, hair, ear or legs with the hands is not permitted. Any strikes are also considered fouls. Anyone who touches the ground with any part of their body besides the feet is declared the loser.
Wrestlers are paired according to weight-class. The traditional attire not only protects the players' vital points but also helps to identify the pana or the yek, to which the wrestler belongs.
History
Although the earliest record of mukna comes from the first half of the 15th century,
Manipuri legend traces this type of wrestling as far back as the Hayachak era (Satya Yuga). During this period, Atiya Mapu Shidaba had two sons named Pakhangba and Sanamahi. Reincarnated from a horse, Sanamahi was furious with his father for naming Pakhangba as heir to the throne. After witnessing the chaos and confusion Sanamahi brought to the kingdom, Pakhangba trapped his irate brother and, after a long and bitter encounter, rendered him powerless with a deadly grip. This is said to have paved way for the birth of mukna which flourished during the reign of King Khagemba (1597-1672).
See also
Malla-yuddha
Sarit Sarak
Thang-Ta
Category:Folk wrestling styles
Category:Combat sports
Category:Indian martial arts
