Wrestling

Manasollasa mentions special coaching provided to wrestlers. To warm up,  the would-be-wrestlers had to do jog three miles early morning. This was followed by dands and sit-ups. Weight lifting was also undertaken (see  by the wrestlers in order to strengthen the body. After resting for a while, wrestlers descended into the wrestling pit filled with finely sieved sand. They saluted each other in traditional style and began the joust when a signal was given. Various grips  were practiced and had Kannada names. Youngsters flocked to these bouts to cheer and to mimic the gestures of grown-ups  The wrestler's body was well massaged before the bout began, and dust was applied to wrestlers' hands in order to prevent them from slipping over the opponent's oiled body. Bhavishnu or future-wrestlers were fed on a special diet of black gram, meat, curds, flour mixed with milk, and clarified butter. They were specially guarded and prevented from spending time in the company of women².