The ancient Manipuri Martial art dance that developed in the war environment of Manipur was also known as Huyen Lallong . It means the art of sword and the spear. The geopolitical environment which took place in medieval times between the countries of India and China included the times when many independent states were at war with each other.
During the colonial period, Thang ta was a very expressive form of art that had preserved the fighting character at the secret home schools of the Gurus. During the period of integration of Manipur with the Indian Union in the year 1949. The dance form was displayed in the festivals and performances on various platforms abroad.
In this dance, the coil or Phidup is emphasized upon which includes the lowering of one’s body towards the ground and then a spring action is done for the expansion and attack. PHANBA is emphasized which is opening the body through two forms known as NONGPHAN and LEIPHAL. There is an integration of external weapons like the sword, spear, and dagger and also the internal practice of physical control through the movements which are soft and highly coordinated with breathing.
It is done in three ways which are as follows: the ritualistic way related to the tantric practices. Secondly, the performance involving sword and spear dances. These dances are converted into real fighting practices and in a third way, it is the real fighting technique altogether.
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