Spotlight on Silambam: An Ancient Indian Martial Art
By Rachel Yeoh, Priyanka Bansal
March 2025 FEATURE
AN ANCIENT MARTIAL ART originating from the Kurinji mountains in Tamil Nadu 5,000 years ago, Silambam is said to have arrived on the shores of the Malay Peninsula as early as the 14th century, and up till the 19th and 20th centuries under British colonial rule, when there was a surge of migration of Tamil workers brought in to work the plantations.Traditionally, Silambam was practised by warriors to promote agility, coordination and discipline. With its intricate footwork, complex movements and...
Rachel Yeoh
is a former journalist who traded her on-the-go job for a life behind the desk. For the sake of work-life balance, she participates in Penang's performing arts scene after hours.
Priyanka Bansal
is an Indian expat living in Penang. Owing to her artistic bent of mind she loves writing, painting and crafting.
