This is similar to the western wrestling. It is placed among the 64 arts listed in ancient literature. The art reached its Zenith in Tamilnadu during the Pallava period. During mid-Chola period mallas(artistes) went to Sri Lanka to participate in tournaments. The art was taught in ancient days by persons belonging to the Malliga Chetty community.

Here, the opponents wrestle with each other, attempting to push the other down. Various rules of the game apply to the procedure. In a tournament, wrestlers travel far and wide, challenging local wrestlers, and if they win, the name and fame of their own town or area is multiplied hundredfold.