Silambam is a traditional martial art from Tamil Nadu, India that involves striking, fencing, and grappling.Silambam originated around 1000 CE, but references to it can be found in Tamil Sangam literature from 400 BCE. The name comes from the Tamil word silam, which means "hills". Silambam is an old Indian martial art originating in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This style is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature. The World Silambam Association is the official international body of Silambam. Tamil is written in a non-Latin script.

References in the Silappadikaram and other works of the Sangam literature show that Silambam has been practiced since at least the 4th century BC.[3] It derives from the Tamil word silam, meaning hill. The term silambambu referred to a particular type of bamboo from the Kurinjimala (kurinji hills) in present-day Kerala. Thus silambam was named after its primary weapon, the bamboo staff.[4] It may have earlier used for self-defense and to ward off animals in the Kurinji hills and later evolved into the present-day martial art.[5] Bamboo staffs – as well as swords, pearls and armor – were in great demand from foreign traders.