The Pehlwans of Lahore
Pehlwani (also known as Kushti, or Indian wrestling) has its origins in the Punjab. Gateway to Northern India from Central Asia and the wider Silk Road, the Punjab has for centuries been exposed to a variety of influences through trade, travel and the spread of religion. A fusion of an indigenous form of Hindu wrestling, yoga, and Persian wrestling introduced by invaders from Central Asia, its practitioners are known as pehlwans, from the Persian for ‘champion’ or ‘warrior’ and are found from Iran to Bangladesh, throughout North India and as far North as Afghanistan.
Young pehlwans train in an earth pit, called an akhara, under the guidance of masters known as ‘gurus’ or ‘ustads’. Discipline is key, and the respect shown the masters is enormous. The training methods which they employ bear a strong resemblance to the rural farming traditions of the Punjab and include a ritual-like raking and levelling of the pit.
By contrast, the bouts (or ‘dangals’) are glitzy affairs: wrestlers dress up in silk kurtas and embroidered turbans, and use stage names such as ‘masterblaster’ in a mix of traditional Punjabi glamour, and modern wrestling showmanship. These bouts are still well attended and supporters follow the action with great passion, although post Partition and the overhaul of Punjabi society, the pehlwans no longer enjoy the levels of patronage or celebrity they once did.
The photographs here are in two parts. The first half was taken at a training session on 16 October 2009. The second half shows a different group of wrestlers in competition on 18 October 2009.
Read MoreYoung pehlwans train in an earth pit, called an akhara, under the guidance of masters known as ‘gurus’ or ‘ustads’. Discipline is key, and the respect shown the masters is enormous. The training methods which they employ bear a strong resemblance to the rural farming traditions of the Punjab and include a ritual-like raking and levelling of the pit.
By contrast, the bouts (or ‘dangals’) are glitzy affairs: wrestlers dress up in silk kurtas and embroidered turbans, and use stage names such as ‘masterblaster’ in a mix of traditional Punjabi glamour, and modern wrestling showmanship. These bouts are still well attended and supporters follow the action with great passion, although post Partition and the overhaul of Punjabi society, the pehlwans no longer enjoy the levels of patronage or celebrity they once did.
The photographs here are in two parts. The first half was taken at a training session on 16 October 2009. The second half shows a different group of wrestlers in competition on 18 October 2009.
