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

18
derivative from it may be the āmardakiśrama. It is well-known to the massa-
gists that giving massage is quite a streneous form of exercise. It might also
mean the passive form of exercises felt while under going massage.
Sthāpitaśrama
This term seems to imply the standard exercises but what were the
exercises that were considered to be standard is difficult to say. To-day the
standard exercises are Daṇḍa, Baiṭhaka, Mallastambha and Wrestling.
Anyatkṛtakaraśrama
This seems to indicate the exercises in pairs. They are different from
wrestling proper and include pulling, pushing and other movements. This type
always require another partner and hence the use of this term.
Chotanaka and Karkara
These terms are difficult to explain. Eventhough they are noted, their
references are very vague. The former seems to be a form of arm exercise, but
what is its exact form is difficult to explain.
Similarly Karkar is also a difficult term. Perhaps it seems to indicate
exercise for lower parts of the body whcih helps slimming.
Aṅgakāvartana
The term may mean the twisting exercises if it is taken to be one word.
The context does not help to arrive at a definite explantion. Even if the whole
term is a combination of two items—Angaka and Āvartana, it is difficult to assign
definite meaning to each.
Śramakāśrama
These may include the exercises of a Śramaka but the term Śramaka cannot
be easily explained.
The above discussion suggests that the list of exercises specially in Chapter
X are sophisticated, but that in Chapter XI is more realistic as it specially
narrates the forms of exercises and their effects. The tradition of Indian
Gymnastics is also partly preserved and partly lost. The major part of the
tradition is still preserved by the Jyeṣṭhimallas. The varieties that appear to be
lost are due to the use of new terms. The old terms have become obsolete. This
being the case it is difficult to know whether the instruments such as Antar-
pakad, Santola etc. were used from high antiquity or introduced at a later stage.
Besides this the Mallapurāṇa is almost silent about the nomenclature as well as
explantions of a variety of exercises which are meant for strengthening and body-
building. In this respect it does not serve as a good hand-book.
Exercises—their suitability and quality
The exercises are noted by the purāṇa, and the problem of the amount of
exercises and their effect is also duly considered in it. The amount of exercises
is noted in the classification Alpa, Ardha, Purṇa and Ati. (VIII, 23-24).