ge, is known as a
_paench_. This literally means a screw or twist, but in wrestling
phraseology, means any grip by which you can get such an advantage
over your opponent as to defeat him. For every paench there is a
counter paench. A throw is considered satisfactory when BOTH shoulders
of your opponent touch the ground simultaneously. The old _khalifa_ or
trainer takes a great interest in the progress of his _chailas_ or
pupils. _Chaila_ really means disciple or follower. Every khalifa has
his favourite paenches or grips, which have stood him in good stead in
his old battling days; he teaches these paenches to his pupils, so
that when you get young fellows from different villages to meet, you
see a really fine exhibition of wrestling skill. There is little
tripping, as amongst our wrestlers at home; a dead-lock is uncommon.
The rival wrestlers generally bound into the ring, slapping their
thighs and arms with a loud resounding slap. They lift their legs high
up from the ground with every step, and scheme and manoeuvre sometimes
for a long while to get the best corner; they try to get the sun into
their adversaries eyes; they scan the appearance and every movement of
their opponent. The old wary fellows take it very coolly, and if they
can't get the desired side of the ground, they keep hopping about like
a solemn old ostrich, till the impetuosity or impatience of their foe
leads him to attack. They remind you for all the world of a pair of
game cocks, their bodies are bent, their heads almost touching. There
is a deal of light play with the hands, each trying to get the other
by the wrist or elbow, or at the back of the head round the neck. If
one gets the other by a finger even, it is a great advantage, as he
would whip nimbly round, and threaten to break the impounded finger;
this would be considered quite fair. One will often suddenly drop on
his knees and try to reach the ankles of his adversary. I have seen a
slippery customer, stoop suddenly down, grasp up a handful of dust,
and throw it into the eyes of his opponent. It was done with the
quickness of thought, but it was detected, and on an appeal by the
sufferer, the knave was well thrashed by the onlookers.

There are many professionals who follow no other calling. Wrestlers
are kept by Rajahs and wealthy men, who get up matches. Frequently one
village will challenge another, like our village cricket clubs. The
villagers often get up small subscriptions, and pur