मल्लपुराण (ज्येष्ठिमल्ल - प्राचीन भारतीय मल्लविद्या, अखाड़ा व्यायाम व कुश्ती महाग्रन्थ)

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explain these terms. In these efforts Chapter XI which narrates the technique
of exercises is of utmost importance. It is possible that some explanations may
prove to be incorrect in the light of some new material that may become avail-
able in future. Still, however, an effort in this direction would be worth-while
and hence a study of these terms is undertaken. Some terms could not however
be explained.
Raṅgaśrama
This is the wrestling proper and occurs in all the lists. It is considered to
be the highest type of exercise as it leads to glory and wealth. Wrestling indeed
is difficult and in traditional Indian Gymnasium far more weight is placed on
the proficiency in this art, which requires courage, strength, skill and stamina.
As it is played in the Ranga or Akhāḍā, it is known here as Raṅgaśrama. The
study of Mallapurāṇa proves that Ranga and Akhāḍā are synonyms and hence
this identification. Mallapurāṇa considers it as the best form of exercises and
other types which help in developing an individual to become a wrestler are
considered to be of the Madhyama type.
Sthambhaśrama
It is a type of exercise on smooth wooden pillars of a number of varieties.
To-day the sthambhas are either fixed in the ground or are left hanging. The
hanging stambhas have about four varieties. One is similar to that fixed on the
ground. Other is a very small size stambha almost like a baton. Its variant
has two pairs hanging near each other. The fourth type is a long cane on which
exercises are performed.
The Mallasthambha exercises are many but the Mallapurāṇa summarises
them under the title Stambhādhirohaṇam. It takes place in three ways—First
by the strength of the arm, second by twisting the body and third by means of
legs. (X. 16 ff.).
Exercise on Mallasthambha requires strength and stamina. It lays great
emphasis on the turning and twisting of body and develops toughness. Malla-
purāṇa notes that it developes the strength of the body, specifically shoulders,
hands, arms, thighs, waist, leg-joints and makes the body tough and slim.
In modern practices Mallastambha is considered to be an essential train-
ing for wrestling, but this extremely important art is fast dying out.
Goṇitaka
This is a common form of exercise in the two lists. Goṇitaka is divided
in two varieties, the large and the small. The term Goṇitaka and Goṇita are
used to denote this type. Goṇita does not seem to be a Sanskrit term, but
seems to be a Sanskritised version of some Gujarati term like Ghāṇī, which
may signify an instrument like present day Cākī. This traditional stone ring