Ujjain: A unique archery skill called ‘villu vidya’ from ancient Indian culture is on the verge of extinction. Subba Rao, an expert in the ancient art, exhibited his skills at the ‘International Virat Gurukul Sammelan,’ organised here. Subba Rao hailing from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh has been practising this art for the last 33 years.
Villu vidya is a form of archery in which the blindfolded archer shoots the arrow towards the target, based on the sound coming from or near the target, and is purely based on one’s concentration. A priest at the local Rama temple in Guntur district, Rao learnt the art from his father,the lateVenkateswara Rao.
He started learning it at the age of 20 and is an expert in also using the bow and arrow with his feet. He aims to keep ‘villu vidya’ alive and is also training his 23-year-old daughter Mallika Ramya in the art. However, Subba Rao is disappointed that the younger generation has not been showing much interest in learning this ancient form of archery. He has also been awarded by the Telugu Association of North America in Year 2015 for his noteworthy talent.