Pehlwani or many know as Kushti wrestling is an ancient form of wrestling practiced throughout South Asia. Became developed during the Mughal era with the combination of Malla-Yuddha (traditional South Asian form of combat wrestling) and Iranian Varzesh-e Bastani (Ancient Persian sport, traditionally martial arts and a style of wrestling)
Kushti wrestling takes place in clay or a dirt pit, that has been mixed with ghee among other things and tended to before each practice. Traditional Indian wrestling is not just a sport but a sub-culture. Where wrestlers live and train together and follow strict rules on everything from what they can eat to what they can do in their spare time. Drinking, smoking, drinking and even sex are normally off limits. The focus is living a pure life, building strength, and honing their wrestling skills.
Wrestlers belong to gyms called akharas; wrestlers diets consists of milk, almonds, ghee, eggs, and chapattis. Each wrestler had a job to do in preparing meals. The sport now a days is on the decline, but there are still many akharas left ad people dedicated to keep this ancient part of Indian culture alive. For more information, pics, videos on Kushti wrestling check out
http://www.kushtiwrestling.blogspot.com
And as always enjoy the pics. Comment and share!
