Yoga is nothing if not adaptable. For centuries, it has endured, shifted, and thrived despite dramatic cultural and political upheavals. From the medieval period, where yogis became both ascetics and warriors, to the colonial era, where British suppression sought to erase indigenous traditions, yoga proved itself to be far more than just a set of physical postures—it was a philosophy, a discipline, and a way of life that refused to disappear.
In this chapter of our historical exploration, we dive into a time of great transformation. As kingdoms rose and fell, and colonial rule changed the cultural landscape, yoga found ways to persist—sometimes hidden, sometimes redefined, but always alive.
Yoga in the Medieval Period (16th–18th Century CE)
By the 16th century, yoga had already undergone significant evolution. It was no longer solely a path of silent meditation or philosophical introspection, as seen in the earlier traditions of Patanjali and the Upanishads. Instead, yoga became deeply intertwined with the shifting cultural and religious landscape of India.
1. The Nath Yogis and the Rise of Ascetic Warriors
One of the most fascinating developments of this period was the rise of the Nath yogis, a sect of renunciates who combined spiritual practice with martial prowess.
• The Nath tradition, associated with the sage Gorakhnath, emphasized the practice of Hatha Yoga—a system of physical postures, breath control, and purification practices.
• Unlike earlier yogis who sought seclusion in forests and caves, many Naths took to the roads, forming groups that controlled key trade routes and even engaged in warfare.
• Some Nath yogis became Naga Sadhus, militant ascetics who defended religious sites and challenged foreign invaders, including Mughal rulers and later, British forces.
The idea of warrior-yogis may seem contradictory to the modern perception of yoga as a peaceful practice, but for these ascetics, physical mastery and discipline were just as much a path to enlightenment as meditation and devotion. They saw the body as a tool for both spiritual awakening and survival in a changing world.
2. The Bhakti Movement and the Expansion of Devotional Yoga
At the same time, another spiritual revolution was taking place—the Bhakti movement. This was a period of intense religious devotion, where spiritual seekers—often poets and mystics—challenged rigid social hierarchies and emphasized personal connection with the divine over ritualistic practices.
• Bhakti yoga, often described as the yoga of love and devotion, became a powerful spiritual force.
• Mystics such as Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas rejected caste distinctions and emphasized that enlightenment was accessible to everyone, regardless of social or religious background.
• Unlike the Nath yogis, who focused on physical mastery, Bhakti yogis engaged in chanting (kirtan), poetry, and deep emotional surrender to the divine.
This movement democratized yoga, making it more accessible to common people. It no longer belonged solely to monks and sages—it became a practice that anyone, from farmers to kings, could follow.
The Colonial Period: Suppression and Survival (18th–19th Century CE)
With the arrival of British colonial rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, many aspects of Indian tradition—including yoga—came under direct attack.
1. British Perception of Yoga as “Superstition”
The British colonizers viewed Indian spiritual practices through the lens of Western rationalism. They dismissed yoga, Ayurveda, and other indigenous knowledge systems as unscientific, primitive, and backward.
• British administrators often banned yogic gatherings and actively discouraged the teaching of yoga in Indian schools.
• The East India Company and later British rule suppressed ascetic groups such as the Naga Sadhus and other warrior yogis, seeing them as threats to colonial control.
• Christian missionaries sought to convert Indians away from their traditional practices, reinforcing the idea that yoga was nothing more than superstition.
The result? Yoga, once a visible and thriving tradition, retreated into the shadows. It was no longer practiced openly in temples or public spaces. Instead, it survived quietly within small pockets—in secret lineages, among rural communities, and within Hindu monastic traditions.
2. The Decline of Hatha Yoga and the Rise of Gymnastics
By the 19th century, Hatha Yoga—the physical side of yoga—was at risk of being lost altogether.
• The British education system replaced traditional Indian physical disciplines with Western-style gymnastics and military drills.
• Many Indian schools stopped teaching yoga postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama), adopting instead British physical training methods.
• In urban areas, yogis were often ridiculed or pushed to the margins of society, with many being seen as beggars or performers rather than spiritual practitioners.
If not for a few dedicated masters and underground traditions, the physical aspects of yoga might have been completely erased during this time.
The Seeds of Revival (Late 19th Century)
But even in the darkest periods, the roots of yoga remained intact.
• In the late 19th century, Swami Vivekananda became one of the first figures to reintroduce yoga to a broader audience, both in India and in the West.
• He emphasized Raja Yoga—the meditative and philosophical aspects of the practice—and reframed yoga as a spiritual science, making it more appealing to intellectuals of the time.
• Though Vivekananda downplayed Hatha Yoga (which was still considered taboo by many), he laid the groundwork for its resurgence in the 20th century.
By the end of the 19th century, the stage was set for yoga’s global comeback—but that’s a story for the next chapter.
A Testament to Yoga’s Adaptability
What does this period of history teach us? That yoga is more than just movement—it is resilience, adaptability, and survival.
• When political landscapes shifted, yoga evolved into new forms (from ascetic warriors to devotional movements).
• When colonial rulers tried to erase it, yoga hid in sacred lineages and rural communities.
• And when the modern world was ready, yoga emerged once again, stronger than ever.
Each time we unroll our mats, breathe deeply, or chant a mantra, we are participating in this legacy—one that has endured centuries of transformation.
Looking Ahead: The Birth of Modern Yoga
In our next post, we’ll explore how yoga made its way back into the public eye—thanks to visionary teachers, reform movements, and a growing global fascination with India’s ancient wisdom.
At Sarvanga Yoga, we wish to honor this history with reverence, gratitude, and a deep sense of connection to those who came before us. Because to practice yoga today is to continue a journey that began thousands of years ago.
Stay with us as we uncover the next chapter in yoga’s extraordinary evolution!
images are AI generated for illustrative purposes only
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