# Professor Kodi Rammurthy Naidu - The Great Strongman of Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog – Biography, Strength Demonstrations, Role in the Freedom Movement, and Legacy **By MUGDAR HOUSE** · 2026-06-01 **In Brief:** Professor Kodi Rammurthy Naidu was one of India's greatest strongmen, popularly known as the “Indian Hercules” and “Kaliyug Bhim.” Through his extraordinary strength demonstrations, promotion of Indian physical culture, and support for the Indian freedom movement, he helped bring India's traditional strength heritage to international recognition. ### Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog and Professor Kodi Rammurthy Naidu India's ancient system of Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog was not merely a method of developing physical strength; it was a comprehensive path of courage, discipline, breath control, endurance, and physical mastery. Professor Kodi Rammurthy Naidu was one of the great personalities who, through his life and achievements, brought honor and international recognition to India's traditional strength culture. His extraordinary physical strength, remarkable control over his body, and daring feats of strength earned him a distinguished place in the history of Indian physical culture. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0963/4765/2416/files/dayashankar_pathak_pages-to-jpg-0008.jpg?v=1780352842) ### Who Was Professor Kodi Rammurthy Naidu? Professor K. Rammurthy (Kodi Rammurthy) Naidu was born in 1882 in Veeraghattam village, Srikakulam district of the Madras Presidency, British India (present-day Andhra Pradesh). He belonged to a Telugu Telaga family. From his childhood and youth, he began rigorous training in physical exercise, strength cultivation, and wrestling. He was a strict vegetarian and a strong advocate of a disciplined lifestyle. In later years, he also gained fame in the fields of circus and stage performances, where he impressed millions of people through his extraordinary feats of strength. He became internationally renowned as the “Indian Hercules” and the “Kaliyug Bhim.” ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0963/4765/2416/files/Professor_Rama_Murti_Naidu_1915.png?v=1780352844) ### Why Was Rammurthy Naidu Called the “Indian Hercules”? Rammurthy Naidu was regarded as one of the most famous strongmen of his era. He performed numerous feats of strength that left audiences astonished. His major feats of strength included: - Breaking thick iron chains using the strength of his chest and neck. - Stopping two motor cars that were pulling in opposite directions. - Breaking iron chains measuring half an inch in thickness. - Balancing the weight of an elephant on his chest. - Expanding his chest by approximately 5–6 inches beyond its normal state. These performances were not merely the result of muscular strength; they were also evidence of years of dedicated training, breath control, and extraordinary mastery over the body. ### Strength Demonstration at the Indian National Congress Session Rammurthy Naidu also presented his feats of strength at a session of the Indian National Congress held in Allahabad. His performances deeply impressed those in attendance. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was so impressed by his abilities that he encouraged Rammurthy to showcase India's strength tradition abroad. Inspired by this encouragement, his team was sent to London, after which he traveled extensively throughout India and overseas. ### The London Performance of 1911 and Worldwide Fame His performances in London in 1911 became particularly famous. On this occasion, he had a strong wooden plank placed across his chest and demonstrated his extraordinary strength by allowing an elephant weighing nearly three tons (approximately 2,722 kilograms) to pass over it. This feat became a topic of discussion throughout the world at the time. Impressed by his remarkable strength, King George V and Queen Mary invited him to Buckingham Palace. After witnessing his demonstrations, he was awarded the title “Indian Hercules.” It is said that he was the first Indian to receive such a distinguished honor. Following this period, he also became widely known as the “Kaliyug Bhim.” ### Rammurthy Naidu’s Popularity in Europe Rammurthy Naidu's fame was not limited to India. He performed in several European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain. In Spain, he was invited to enter a bullfighting arena. Although he had no prior experience in bullfighting, he accepted the challenge. It is said that he seized the bull by its horns and brought it under control, demonstrating his extraordinary strength, courage, and self-confidence. This incident reflects the fearlessness that characterized his personality. ### An Extraordinary Example of Breath Control and Inner Strength Rammurthy Naidu was said to be capable of expanding his chest by 5–6 inches beyond its normal state. This was not merely a display of physical power; it was also an example of breath control, lung capacity, and exceptional command over the body. For this reason, he is regarded as an important representative of the Indian tradition of physical cultivation and Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog. ### Contribution to the Indian Freedom Movement Rammurthy Naidu’s life was not limited to feats of strength alone. He was influenced by the Indian freedom movement through D. Chandrayya Naidu, who worked to organize tribal youth against British rule. Rammurthy earned substantial wealth through his circus company and public performances, but he devoted a significant portion of it to social service and national causes. He also used his fame and resources to support the Indian freedom movement. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0963/4765/2416/files/Ramamurthi_seated_in_the_centre_and_other_wrestlers_c._1912.jpg?v=1780352842) ### His Unfulfilled Dream for Indian Youth Rammurthy Naidu envisioned the establishment of a training center and gymnasium for the youth of India where strength training, wrestling, physical culture, and body cultivation could be taught in a systematic manner. He believed that India's strength tradition needed to be revived and that young people should develop courage, discipline, and physical capability. Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources and circumstances, he was unable to fulfill this dream. It is regarded as one of the most significant unfulfilled aspirations of his life. ### Final Years and Death During the final years of his life, Rammurthy Naidu lived under the patronage of the ruler of the Balangir State in Odisha. After years of demanding strength performances, extensive travel, and continuous physical exertion, his life became comparatively quieter. He passed away in Odisha on 16 January 1942 during the Sankranti festival. At the time of his death, he was approximately 59 to 60 years old. Historical records do not clearly mention the exact cause of his death. However, it is generally believed that the effects of many years of extremely demanding feats of strength and intense physical exertion had taken a toll on his body. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0963/4765/2416/files/Kodi_Rammurthy_Naidu_Statues_at_RK_Beach_Visakhapatnam_23_919691a4-c004-40eb-ba91-74f9be66279d.jpg?v=1780353249) ### Legacy of Rammurthy Naidu Even after his death, the memory and contributions of Rammurthy Naidu continued to live on. In his honor: - A statue of him was installed on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam. - A statue stands in his birthplace, Veeraghattam. - The “Kodi Rammurthy Stadium” in Srikakulam was named in his honor. These memorials serve as evidence that Rammurthy was not merely a powerful individual, but had become an enduring symbol of India's strength tradition, physical culture, and body cultivation. * * * ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### Who was Professor Kodi Rammurthy Naidu? He was a renowned Indian strongman, circus performer, and promoter of physical culture who became known as the “Indian Hercules” and the “Kaliyug Bhim.” ### What were Rammurthy Naidu’s most famous feats of strength? Breaking thick iron chains, stopping two motor cars, and supporting the weight of an elephant on his chest were among his most famous feats. ### How did he receive the title “Indian Hercules”? He was honored with the title “Indian Hercules” after his extraordinary strength demonstrations in London impressed audiences and dignitaries alike. ### Was Rammurthy Naidu involved in the Indian freedom movement? Yes, he used his fame and resources to support the Indian freedom movement. ### What is his significance in the Indian strength tradition? He is regarded as one of the greatest representatives of India's strength tradition, physical culture, body cultivation, and Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog. * * * ## For More Information If you would like to learn more about Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog, Mugdar, Gada, Akhada culture, India's strength tradition, and traditional Indian exercise systems, you can also watch the videos available on our YouTube channel, **Mugdar House - Mohnish Sharma Fitness**. **YouTube Channel:** [https://www.youtube.com/@mugdarhouse](https://www.youtube.com/@mugdarhouse) There you will find numerous informative videos related to Mugdar training, Gada exercises, traditional strength cultivation, and Indian physical culture. * * * ## Conclusion Professor Kodi Rammurthy Naidu was not merely a powerful man; he was a living symbol of India's strength tradition, physical culture, and Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog. Through his remarkable feats of strength, discipline, courage, and patriotism, he demonstrated that body cultivation is not only a means of personal achievement but can also serve as a vehicle for the upliftment of society and the nation. His name will always be remembered with honor and pride in the history of India's strength tradition. **Tags:** Akhada Culture, Body Conditioning, Indian Hercules, Indian Physical Culture, Indian Strength Tradition, Indian Wrestling, Kaliyug Bhim, Kodi Ramamurthy Naidu, Physical Culture, Prachin Shaktivardhak Yog, Strength Training, Traditional Fitness, Traditional Indian Strength Training, अखाड़ा संस्कृति, इंडियन हरक्यूलिस, कलियुग भीम, कोडी राममूर्ति नायडू, पारंपरिक भारतीय व्यायाम, प्राचीन शक्तिवर्धक योग, भारतीय व्यायाम, भारतीय शक्ति परंपरा, भारतीय शक्तिपुरुष, भारतीय शारीरिक संस्कृति, व्यायाम इतिहास, शक्ति प्रशिक्षण, शक्ति साधना, शरीर साधना, शारीरिक संस्कृति --- > Source: [MUGDAR HOUSE](https://mugdarhouse.in/blogs/news/professor-kodi-ramamurthy-naidu)