HISTORY OF MALLAKHAMB

• The origin of this ancient Indian sport can be traced to earlier part of the 12th century. A mention of wrestlers exercising on wooden poles is found in the Manasholas, written by Chalukya in 1153 A.D. It was revived late in the 19th century by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, physical instructor to Bajirao Peshwa II, He took great efforts to popularize this sport. Resemblance of the shape of the Ancient and Modern Mallakhamb to the human structure can be easily seen. At first Mallakhamb was always concerned with Kusti, to learn different styles of Kusti. Now a days the game also includes Gymnastics. It is leaving ancient grips. The present game includes supple body, alert muscles and mind, concentration and expansion of the muscles, rhythm in breath, eyes wide open etc. Now a days at the competitive level the degree of difficulty is increasing day by day. The need of safety instruments is felt. 

TYPES OF MALLAKHAMB  

  There are 3 types of Mallakhamb which are played on competitive level.

FIXED MALLAKHAMB   

• It is a vertical pole fixed in the ground. Generally teak wood or Sesame (a type of rose wood) is commonly used because of its physical properties such as toughness and soft surface. Castor oil is applied to its surface  in order to reduce the friction and minimize the injuries. Generally it is 10 to 12 feet high above the ground level. It has got a diameter of 5 to 6 inches at the bottom and 1.5 to 2 inches at the top. 

HANGING MALLAKHAMB

• It is a small version of the fixed Mallakhamb and is generally used for balancing exercises. The wooden pole is suspended with the help of a hook and chain. The degree of difficulty while performing this exercise is due to its swinging and revolving motion. The fill body has to be kept very close to this Mallakhamb. It is hanged at the height of 3.5 to 4 feet above the ground.   

ROPE MALLAKHAMB

• It is a different type of Mallakhamb from those mentioned above and is a modernized version of the cane Mallakhamb. The structural difference between the above 2 and the Rope Mallakhamb is noteworthy. The Rope Mallakhamb is an answer to the modern day problems like space and transportation. Various Yogic and Gymnastic positions are performed gracefully on the rope Mallakhamb and that to without tying literal knots to the rope.