Compiled during the late 19th or early 20th century (coinciding with the Indian physical revival movement), this manual was the training bible for the Akhadas (traditional wrestling schools) of the Punjab region. It was heavily utilized by the Kushti (mud wrestling) practitioners. The system gained prominence as a response to the British colonial narrative that Indians were "effeminate" or physically weak. The Vyayama Dipika argued that Indian natives possessed not just strength, but functional, athletic grace.