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MODULE-1 Introduction and Historical Development

Concept of Physical
Education and Yog
only but were devices of war as well. Yog seems to have originated during this
period.

Note

The exploits of the Indians of this period can be gathered from the ‘Ramayana’
and the ‘Mahabharata’, which were composed during this period. Both epics
reveal that this period was a period of great turmoil and wars. On the other hand
the system of education was quite elaborate. This system had physical education
as one of the compulsory items apart from scriptural studies, Archery, Javelin
throwing, sword fighting, club fighting, wrestling, horse riding and chariot racing
have been described in these books. The names of such warriors as Ram, Laxman,
Ravan, Megghanad, Bhima, Arjuna, Karna, Bhisama, Drona etc. have become
immortal for their valour. There were no separate teachers for physical education;
but the knowledge of arms and armaments was given by the same teachers who
were well versed in scriptural studies too. There used to be Gurukuls (Schools)
where pupils lived life upto the age of 25 years and learnt physical and mental
fitness.

Meghasthenes who visited India during the period of Chandragupta Maurya has
referred to a very elaborate system of physical training for the army. Wrestling,
sword fighting, Javelin throwing, horse racing etc. were very common sports in
those days. Training in the art of war was both intensive and extensive. Ashoka
the great king had a very strong army which shows that war training was both
intensive and extensive during this period.
Nalanda was a great city of learning where more than 6000 students, from different
parts of the country, and also from foreign lands used to study. Along with religious
and philosophical studies, physical education was given due emphasis and was
taught to students in a systematic manner. Besides ‘Pranayama’ and Surya
namaskar other forms of physical exercise were perfomed every day throughout
the year. At Nalanda University-Swimming, breathing exercise and yog had
became an integral part of the daily life of the students. India, during this period,
was a land of noted men for the excellence of their physique and sharpness of
their intellect.

Physical Education and Yog

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