Abstract Traditional archery in India represents one of the world's oldest continuous martial traditions, extending from Vedic antiquity through contemporary indigenous practices. This paper examines the historical evolution, cultural significance. Dhanurveda texts systematized archery as a comprehensive science encompassing biomechanics, equipment fabrication, tactical applications, and philosophical principles. Indigenous tribal communities including the Bhil, Santhal, Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo peoples have preserved distinctive archery traditions that maintain cultural continuity while adapting to contemporary contexts. The revival of traditional archery through institutional initiatives, competitive sport development, and cultural heritage preservation efforts demonstrates growing recognition of archery's significance in Indian cultural identity. However, challenges including modernization pressures, loss of intergenerational knowledge transmission, and limited documentation threaten the survival of authentic traditional practices.
Hemant Verma (Sat,) studied this question.