Comparison Between Modern and Traditional Angam; Sri Lankan’s Indigenous Martial Art

Abstract

Angam is a Sri Lankan indigenous traditional martial art. There are various beliefs about the origin of Angam. Some folklores say that the start of this art goes back to the period before King Rawana. There are shreds of evidence from history to show that Angam was used against various invasions and defeated the enemies. However, the British rulers, who thought that those who had excelled in Angam would pose a threat to them, banned this in 1821. Then the ancestors, who wanted to protect Angam, combined it with dance. Some transferred Angam to their family members in order to pass the martial art to the next generation. Due to the unfair suppression of the British rulers, not conferring Angam to non-relations and division into two clans Sudaliya and Maruwalliya and battles between the two clans resulted in the decline of Angam from society. The main objective of this study was to compare modern and traditional Angam. The qualitative research methodology; depth interviews was applied to carry out the research. The questionnaires and other literary and physical factors were used to collect data. According to observations from this study, it was found that there are many changes have happened in many fields in original Angam. Hence, it is perceived that it is very difficult to have traditional food patterns in the complex present social situation. Nila shashthraya, mantra, astrology knowledge, its unique exercises, and Sinhala medications still remain with slight differences. Weaponry is reduced while costumes have been changed. Even today, every Angam fighter follows some sort of medication.