INTRODUCTION
Gama Pehlwan, whose full name was Gama Mohammad Baksh, was born on May 22, 1878, in Jabbowal, Amritsar, Punjab, British India, and passed away at the age of 82 on May 23, 1960. He was also known as Rustam-E-Hind and by his ring name, The Great Gama, an undefeated wrestler and strongman in British India. By the early 20th century, he had become the undefeated wrestling champion of India. Gama Pehlwan’s birthplace is Jabbowal, Amritsar, Punjab, British India.
Gama Pehlwan is a source of inspiration for many wrestlers and was titled Rustam-E-Zamana (Champion of the Universe). Nearly five decades later, he is still referred to as The Undefeated, an unbeatable champion and legendary figure.
EARLY LIFE
Gama Pehlwan was born in Amritsar in 1878 and made his home there. In early 1947, he moved to Lahore. Gama relocated to Lahore’s Mohni Road. The Hindu majority of the colony he moved into was ecstatic to have the famous wrestler as a neighbor. Gama assured the Hindu residents of his colony that he would defend them with his life since he sensed what was coming.
In April or May of 1947, riots had broken out across the nation. Gama stood in front of the throng that entered his colony with a handful of his wrestlers. Gama slapped the leading rowdy, who was carrying axes and swords, sending him flying. The rest simply fled.
As the unrest worsened, Gama realized his colony wasn’t safe and that he wouldn’t be able to keep them safe for much longer. He provided them with a week’s worth of food and accompanied them to the border, paying for everything out of his own cash.
EDUCATION & CAREER
Gama Pehlwan, born in Jabbowal, Amritsar District, received a portion of the World Heavyweight Championship on October 15, 1910. He is regarded as one of the best wrestlers of all time, having remained undefeated over a career spanning more than 52 years.
Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala, the middle-aged Indian wrestling champion at the time, was challenged by 17-year-old Gama Pehlwan in 1895. Gama, who stood 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall, was predicted to lose to Raheem, who was approximately 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall. Despite the height difference, Gama triumphed in over 5,000 contests.
Bruce Lee closely followed Gama’s training regimen.
Gama Pehlwan: Quick Facts
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Profession | Wrestler |
| Full Name | Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt |
| Religion | Islam |
| Hometown | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Birthplace | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Age at Death | 82 years |
| Date of Birth | 22nd May 1878 |
| Date of Death | 23rd May 1960 |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Notable Works | Undefeated in a career spanning more than 52 years |
| Title | Rustam-e-Hind |
| Spouse | Wazir Begum |
| Children | Aslam Pahalwan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Gama Pehlwan’s accomplishments are numerous. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Undefeated in a career spanning more than 52 years
- The Great Gama, Rustam-e-Hind
- International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
Gama Pehlwan: Physical Stats
| Details | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 82 years |
| Height | 1.73m (5’8″) |
| Weight | 110kgs |
| Chest | 46 inches |
| Waist | 34 inches |
| Biceps | 22 inches |
PERSONAL LIFE
Gama Pehlwan married twice. Wazir Begum was one of his wives. Gama had nine children in total: five sons and four daughters. Nawaz Sharif’s wife, Kulsoom Nawaz, is his granddaughter. Gama Pehlwan’s father’s name was Muhammad Aziz Baksh, and his brother was Imam Baksh Pahalwan.
Gama lost his father, a well-known wrestler, when he was only six years old. He was raised by his maternal grandfather, Nun Pahalwan, a wrestler.
LEGACY
Gama Pehlwan earned recognition for the first time at the age of eleven in 1888 when he participated in a strongman competition in Jodhpur. Out of more than 400 wrestlers, Gama, who finished in the top 15, was chosen as the winner by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. He only received instruction in wrestling from his Ustad in Akhada.
In the court, Gama used to wrestle with forty fellow wrestlers and performed 5000 squats and 3000 push-ups each day. He used a 95-kg training disc in the shape of a doughnut for squats.
On the 144th anniversary of his birth, Google created a doodle in honor of Gama Pehlwan, also known as The Great Gama in the West. He was the most renowned wrestler in India at the time, gaining the respect of the general public before passing away in 1960.
Visit lifesketches.in to read more
CONCLUSION
Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, commonly known as Rustom-E-Hind and by his ring name The Great Gama, was an undefeated Pahalwani wrestler and strongman in the British Raj. He was the undisputed subcontinental wrestling champion at the turn of the 20th century.
UNKNOWN FACTS
- Gama’s granddaughter was the wife of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.
- The government provided Gama with property, a monthly stipend, and financial support for his medical costs until his passing. He died in 1960 at the age of 82.
- Gama’s Diet: Six desi chickens, two gallons (7.5 liters) of milk, and more than a pound of ground almond paste mixed into a tonic beverage.
- Death Mystery: Struggled with a chronic illness and financial difficulties before his passing.
- Gama’s Feats: Lifted a 1200 kg stone at the Baroda Museum in 1902.
- Admiration: Admired by Bruce Lee and the Prince of Wales.
- Heroic Acts: Saved the lives of Hindus in Lahore during the 1947 partition riots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What was Gama Pehlwan’s diet?
- Six desi chickens, two gallons (7.5 liters) of milk, and more than a pound of ground almond paste mixed into a tonic beverage.
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What was the mystery of Gama Pehlwan’s death?
- Gama struggled to pay for necessary medical care due to a chronic illness, asthma, and cardiac problems, and had to sell his medals due to financial difficulties.
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When did Gama Pehlwan die?
- On May 23, 1960, in Lahore, Pakistan.
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When did Gama lift a 1200 kg stone?
- In 1902, at the Baroda Museum in Sayajibaug.
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Who admired Gama?
- Bruce Lee and the Prince of Wales.
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How did Gama earn respect?
- By saving the lives of Hindus during the 1947 partition riots in Lahore.
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Did The Great Gama ever lose?
- No, he won over 5000 fights and remained undefeated.
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Why was The Great Gama so strong?
- Due to his rigorous workout regimen, including 5,000 squats and 3,000 push-ups each day.
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When did he retire?
- After the partition of India in 1947, Gama moved to Pakistan and retired in 1952.
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Who was Gama’s strongest opponent?
- Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala.
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What was Gama’s net worth at the time of his death?
- Approximately ₹64 crore or $8 million.
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What was Gama’s Zodiac Sign?
- Gemini.
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Was Gama vegetarian?
- No.