German National mesmerized by Manipuri archery
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 06 2012:
Hendrik Wiethasi, a traditional archery teacher from Germany, has been mesmerized by Manipuri indigenous form of archery prevalent in the State since time immemorial.
Wiethasi is in Imphal to participate in a workshop on Indigenous Archery and Classical Indian Archery being conducted by Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung.
While speaking at inaugural function of the 5-day long workshop at the auditorium of Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association today, Wiethasi informed that he had been studying the traditional Indian archery form for the last many years and found that every society has its own bow and arrow.
However, the peculiarity of Manipuri traditional archery is that it is being used as an indigenous weapon for hunting purposes.
"It is very interesting and I would like to learn more about this indigenous archery form of Manipur", he stated.
Wiethasi also informed that he had been to different parts of India including Kerala where archery is very popular, and there are various interesting stories connected with archery.
However, during the last 14 years of his research work in archery, he found that the archery form of Manipur is very unique as it is very much related to the culture and tradition of the people.
Thus, the study of the Manipuri archery form has provided him with more knowledge.
He also expressed happiness over the fact that the indigenous archery form of Manipur has now been included as a sports event.
It is said that besides numerous articles contributed in magazines, Wiethasi has also written and published four books on archery.
He has also translated the "Astanga Hrdyam," the basic scripture of Ayurveda and the "Dhanurveda" into German language, which brought him to the Classical Indian Archery.
Presided over by G Gourakishore Sharma, Director of Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, the inaugural function of the workshop was also attended by L Upendro Sharma, Director of JNMDA, Imphal and L Dilip Singh, Chairman of Imphal Urban Co-Operative Bank, Manipur as Guests of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, L Upendra commented that the games of archery and Thang-ta were basically meant for war and hunting to the warriors but now people are practicing both the warfare techniques as sportive entertainment as well as cultural items.
Suggesting that one of the best ways to preserve and maintain our cultural art forms is to keep them in their original forms, the JNMDA Director informed that the Academy is seeking approval from the Government of India to open a post-diploma course for Thang-ta.
Y Dilip stressed on the need to protect and promote the indigenous form of archery of the State.
Presentation of gifts to the presidium members and archers of the State also marked the inaugural function.