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.

Mukkha
The archer is preparing to take the shot

Rules

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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

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

Images

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Further reading

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  • ‘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.
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