May 6, 2009
Source: Times of India
An Indian-origin factory worker from Wolverhampton has revived 'Shastar vidya', the ancient form of Sikh martial arts, that was so deadly that the British banned it in the 19th century in colonial India.
Nidar Singh Nihang, 41, has been teaching 'Shastar vidya' in Hounslow, west London, to a growing number of students.
During colonial rule, British rulers banned the form but allowed and encouraged 'gatka', a ceremonial and toned-down version of 'Shastar vidya' which is widely displayed during Sikh festivals today.