Martial arts presentation by Thang-ta and Cultural Research Academy Manipur

From the archive record

Choreographic presentation of Thang-ta by Thangta-ta and Cultural Research academy, Manipur during Sangai Festival in Manipur. Thang-ta is an inseperable element of the history of Manipur. This performance is a stylised presentation of the once war and martial arts techniques used by the Manipuris. Thang-ta is a weapon-based Indian martial art created by the Meitei of Manipur. In the Manipuri language, thang means sword and ta means spear, referring to the art's primary weapons. The spear can be used in its non-missile form while in close or thrown from afar. Other weapons include the shield and the axe. Because of Manipur's cultural similarity, geographic proximity and ethnic ties with Myanmar, thang-ta is closely related to banshay (martial arts of Myanmar). This footage is part of the p