Mukkha

Mukkha
The archer is preparing to take the shot

Mukkha is an archery sport. The game is played with a long arrow (ghashay) and a long bow (leenda). The arrow has a saucer shaped metallic plate (tubray) at its distal end. The archers play in teams and attempt to hit a small white wooden target called takai surrounded by a circular ring called kwaara. The target is secured in fresh clay placed at some height a few meters away from the archer.

Rules

The game is played with a long arrow (ghashay) and a long bow (leenda). The arrow has a saucer shaped metallic plate (tubray) at its distal end. The archers play in teams and attempt to hit a small white wooden target called takai surrounded by a circular ring called kwaara. The target is secured in fresh clay placed at some height a few meters away from the archer. If the player manages to strike the targets they score a point. A successful attempt is usually celebrated by beating loud drums. On the other hand, if the player misses the target, the opposing team would celebrate instead.

History, name and origin

The game is believed to be originated in the Baloristan regions of Pakistan.

Images

• 
  The traditional archery sport of the Pashtuns called makha. Target is being prepared in the village of Kaddi in Swabi District
• 
  Makha - The archer is preparing to take the shot. A friend is helping him.
• 
  Makha - Archer positioning and starting to aim at the target.
• 
  Makha - Archer aiming at the target.
• 
  Makha - Target successfully hit.

Further reading

• ‘Mukha’ lovers throng Topi contest. Dawn, 26 June 2012
• Archery in traditional form popular in Pakistan villages. Wave Magazine, 10.01.2009
• Mukha at Bellew H. C.; Henry Walter Bellew. A Dictionary of the Pukkhto Or Pukshto Language in which the Words are Traced to Their Sources in the Indian and Persian Languages. Asian Educational Services. pp. 151–. ISBN 978-81-206-1599-1.