India’s rich cultural heritage continues to inspire contemporary businesses, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern entrepreneurship. Among the resurgence of traditional artifacts, Mudgars—the iconic Indian maces—have seen a significant revival in the market.

Mudgars, also known as Indian clubs, are traditional fitness equipment deeply rooted in India’s heritage. Used for centuries by warriors and wrestlers to build strength, agility, and endurance, Mudgars have seen a resurgence in recent years, attracting fitness enthusiasts both in India and internationally. As the global fitness industry embraces holistic and functional training methods, Mudgars have gained recognition for their unique benefits, such as improving grip strength, core stability, and mobility. This growing appeal has paved the way for numerous Indian ventures to capitalize on the trend, blending tradition with innovation.

In 2025, several ventures and businesses have capitalized on the growing demand for Mudgars, catering to diverse consumer segments ranging from cultural enthusiasts to collectors and martial arts practitioners.

Market Overview of of Indian Handicrafts:

The Indian handicrafts market, including Mudgars, reached an impressive value of US$ 3,968.0 million in 2022. The sector’s trajectory is equally noteworthy, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% between 2023 and 2028. By 2028, the market is expected to achieve a valuation of US$ 6,218.4 million. This growth underlines the increasing demand for authentic, handcrafted fitness tools like Mudgars, fueled by a renewed appreciation for Indian heritage fitness practices.

Key Players in the Mudgar Market

1. Mudgar Club

Mudgar Club is a trailblazer in reviving India’s heritage fitness culture. It has gained significant attention for its innovative designs and a strong commitment to preserving the authenticity of traditional fitness tools while modernizing their appeal.

Founded by Anjit Suhag and Sanjeet Suhag, the venture offers a premium range of handcrafted Mudgars designed for functional fitness. They offer a variety of Mudgars made from premium hardwood, featuring ergonomic designs and customizable options to cater to different training needs. Their market position is bolstered by their appearance on Shark Tank India, where they secured funding of ₹50 lakhs for 12.5% equity. This investment has propelled their production and marketing efforts, making them a household name for heritage fitness tools.

2. Tagda Raho Sports Private Limited

Tagda Raho Sports, founded by Rishabh Malhotra in 2020, blends traditional fitness practices with modern training methodologies, positioning themselves as a go-to brand for fitness enthusiasts looking for authentic Indian workout tools. Their Mudgars are designed with ergonomic features to cater to modern fitness enthusiasts while retaining the cultural essence of the tool. With a strong focus on quality craftsmanship, the company has positioned itself as a reliable brand in the market, appealing to both fitness enthusiasts and collectors.

3. The Great Indian Workout

Founded by Swapnil Dangarikar in 2020, The Great Indian Workout champions the idea of holistic fitness rooted in Indian traditions. Their product range includes Mudgars of varying sizes and weights to cater to a diverse consumer base. By leveraging their robust online presence, they have become a preferred choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking authentic, handcrafted fitness tools.

4. SatvaFit

Founded by Idris Ratlamwala in 2023, SatvaFit blends tradition and wellness by crafting pure wooden fitness tools infused with Ayurvedic oils. Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Satva,” meaning balance and truth, their products honor natural strength and holistic practices. Each piece, shaped by skilled artisans, embodies resilience and connects users to ancient wellness traditions.

Consumer Demographics of Mudgars in India

The demand for Mudgars spans various demographics, each contributing to the market in unique ways:

• Fitness Enthusiasts: Individuals looking to incorporate traditional tools into their modern workouts.

• Martial Arts Practitioners: Professionals who value Mudgars for strength and endurance training.

• Collectors and Traditional Fitness Enthusiasts: People interested in owning culturally significant fitness tools.

• Health-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking holistic fitness options rooted in Indian practices.

• Women in Functional Fitness: An emerging segment that appreciates Mudgars for their versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Market Drivers of Mudgars in India:

Several factors are driving the growth of the Mudgar market in India:

1. Cultural Revival and Heritage Fitness

The resurgence of interest in Indian cultural practices has brought traditional fitness tools like Mudgars back into the spotlight. Fitness enthusiasts are increasingly valuing these tools for their historical significance and efficacy.

2. Innovative Product Features

Mudgars allow for 3D movements and swings, which enhance strength, mobility, and overall fitness compared to conventional dumbbells and barbells that offer only 2D motion. This unique feature attracts fitness enthusiasts looking for versatile workout tools.

3. Quality Craftsmanship

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, Mudgars stand out for their durability and aesthetic appeal, giving them a competitive edge over mass-produced fitness tools.

4. Holistic Fitness Approach

The growing emphasis on full-body workouts and functional fitness aligns perfectly with the benefits offered by Mudgars, driving their popularity among fitness enthusiasts.

5. Customization Trends

The option to personalize Mudgars in terms of design, weight, and grip has added a layer of uniqueness, attracting consumers seeking bespoke fitness tools.

6. Funding and Investment

The infusion of capital from platforms like Shark Tank India has allowed ventures like Mudgar Club to enhance their production capabilities and expand their reach, further propelling market growth.

7. Rising Female Participation

The demographic shift towards a 70% female user base indicates an increasing acceptance and interest among women in functional fitness. This trend is driving demand for products that cater specifically to female consumers.

Challenges and Opportunities for Mudgars in India

While the market shows promising growth, businesses face certain challenges:

Key Challenges:

• Limited Awareness: Despite their benefits, Mudgars remain a niche product, with limited consumer awareness compared to mainstream fitness tools.
  
• Scalability Issues: Handcrafting Mudgars requires skilled artisans, making mass production challenging.
  
• Competition from Modern Fitness Tools: Competing with contemporary fitness equipment requires significant marketing efforts to highlight Mudgars’ unique benefits.

Key Opportunities:

• Expansion into Women’s Fitness: Creating lightweight and aesthetically pleasing Mudgars can tap into the growing market of women in functional fitness.

• Global Demand for Authentic Fitness Tools: The growing global interest in heritage fitness practices presents an opportunity for export growth.

• Collaborations with Fitness Studios: Partnering with gyms and fitness centers can introduce Mudgars to a broader audience.

• Digital Marketing and E-Commerce: Leveraging digital platforms can significantly boost consumer awareness and sales.

Future Outlook of Mudgars in India

The future of the Mudgar market looks promising, with increasing interest in authentic, handcrafted fitness tools aligned with traditional Indian practices. Ventures such as Mudgar Club, Tagda Raho Sports, and others are leading the way by innovating while preserving cultural heritage. As more consumers recognize the benefits of holistic fitness, the demand for Mudgars is expected to grow further.

Looking ahead, we can anticipate greater diversification in product offerings, strategic collaborations with fitness influencers, and expanded export markets. The industry’s potential lies in balancing tradition with innovation, making Mudgars a staple in modern fitness regimens while keeping India’s rich fitness legacy alive.

FAQs:

1. What is Mudgar used for?

Mudgar is used for strength training, improving grip, shoulder mobility, and overall functional fitness. It’s a traditional fitness tool often incorporated into martial arts and wrestling training.

2. Is Mudgar better than Gym?

Mudgar offers functional and holistic fitness benefits while connecting with tradition. It can complement gym workouts but may not fully replace the variety of gym equipment for muscle isolation exercises.

3. Is Mudgar Indian or Persian?

Mudgar is Indian in origin, deeply rooted in traditional Indian wrestling (kushti) and ancient fitness practices, though similar tools exist in Persian culture.

4. What is Mudgar called in English?

Mudgar is often referred to as an “Indian club” or “wooden club” in English.

5. What are the benefits of practicing Mudgar?

Practicing with Mudgar improves grip strength, shoulder flexibility, core stability, endurance, and balance. It also connects users to cultural and traditional fitness methods.

Conclusion

The resurgence of Mudgars in India’s market landscape exemplifies the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. As ventures and businesses continue to innovate while preserving cultural integrity, Mudgars are not just relics of the past but vibrant symbols of India’s enduring heritage. With substantial growth projections and a passionate consumer base, the Mudgar market stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural legacy and its dynamic entrepreneurial spirit. The #HarGharMudgar movement further cements the Mudgar’s role as a cherished emblem in every household, promoting cultural pride and continuity.