Comparative Study of Western Gymnastics on the Evolution of Modern Postural Yoga

Yoga, as we see today is purely a postural one, centered on fitness of the body. Contrary to the contemplative exercise in the ancient times, Yoga, today has remained merely a discipline of physical exercise, focus of which shifting entirely towards perfecting the asanas through various props, adjustments and alignments. In this context, it is interesting to note this kind of evolution of Yoga and how it evolved so far. Modern Yoga, as we see today, largely evolved in the first half of 20th century, which saw revival of physical culture in India. As India remained under the control of British Empire at the same time, effect of western physical culture upon such revival was inevitable. In the present study, I have tried to analyze the effect of western physical culture disciplines such as Gymnastics on the evolution of Modern Postural Yoga, keeping the Mysore Asana revival in focus.