Gulsatran (Archer's Thumb Ring) and Sikh Martial Tradition

Archery-the art and science of shooting arrows with a bow-has been practiced since antiquity for hunting, warfare, and sport.

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In South Asia, it acquired refined technical and cultural dimensions, particularly within Indo-Persian martial traditions. Among the Sikhs, archery formed an essential component of shastar-vidy? (martial discipline), especially during the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.The principal components of archery equipment include the bow (comprising limbs, riser, grip, bowstring, and string nocks), the arrow (shaft, arrowhead, fletching, and nock), and protective gear such as the finger tab or thumb ring. The thumb ring, known in Persian and Indo-Islamic military terminology as angushtana or gulsatran, was widely used by archers employing the thumb-draw technique. Crafted from metal, horn, or stone, this ring protected the thumb and enhanced control during repeated release of arrows.