Kalaripayattu (; also known simply as Kalari) is an
Indian martial art
Indian martial arts refers to the fighting systems of the Indian subcontinent. A variety of terms are used for the English phrases “Indian martial arts”, deriving from ancient sources. While they may seem to imply specific disciplines (e.g. ...
that originated in modern-day
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
, a state on the southwestern coast of
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
.
Kalaripayattu is known for its long-standing history within
Indian martial arts, and is one of the oldest surviving martial arts in India.
Kalaripayattu is mentioned in the
Vadakkan Pattukal
Vadakkan Pattukal (literally, ''the songs of the north'') are a collection of Malayalam ballads from the medieval period. The songs present stories of heroes such as Aromal Chekavar and Thacholi Othenan, and heroines like
Unniyarcha. The storie ...
, a collection of ballads written about the
Chekavar
Chekavar (Also known as ''Chekon'' or ''Chevakar'', ''Cekavar'') were a warrior surname in Malabar of Kerala. The Chekavar are a common title of the Hindu Thiyya community. Many Thiyya families today trace their roots to this Chekavar lineage.
...
of the Malabar region of Kerala. In the Vadakkan Pattukal, it is stated that the cardinal principle of Kalaripayattu was that knowledge of the art be used to further worthy causes, and not for the advancement of one's own selfish interests.
Kalaripayattu is a martial art designed for the ancient battlefield (the word "Kalari" meaning "battlefield"), with weapons and combative techniques that are unique to Kerala.
Like most
Indian martial arts, Kalaripayattu contains rituals and philosophies inspired by
Hinduism
Hinduism () is an Indian religion or '' dharma'', a religious and universal order or way of life by which followers abide. As a religion, it is the world's third-largest, with over 1.2–1.35 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global p ...
. The art also bases medical treatments upon concepts found in the ancient Indian medical text, the
Ayurveda
Ayurveda () is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is pseudoscientific. Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population rep ...
.
Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga. Kalaripayattu is taught in accordance with the Indian ''
guru-shishya'' system.
Kalaripayattu differs from many other martial arts systems in the world in that weapon based techniques are taught first, and barehanded techniques are taught last.
Elements from the yoga tradition as well as finger movements in the ''nata'' dances, were incorporated into Kalaripayattu.
A number of
South Asia
South Asia is the southern subregion of Asia, which is defined in both geographical
Geography (from Greek: , ''geographia''. Combination of Greek words ‘Geo’ (The Earth) and ‘Graphien’ (to describe), literally "earth descr ...
n fighting styles remain closely connected to
yoga
Yoga (; sa, योग, lit=yoke' or 'union ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India and aim to control (yoke) and still the mind, recognizing a detached witness-consci ...
, dance and performing arts. Some of the choreographed sparring in Kalaripayattu can be applied to dance
and
Kathakali dancers who knew Kalaripayattu were believed to be markedly better than other performers. Some traditional Indian classical dance schools still incorporate martial arts as part of their exercise regimen.
[Luijendijk, D.H. (2008) ]
Kalarippayat: The Essence and Structure of an Indian Martial Art
', Oprat,
Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods.
Warriors trained in Kalaripayattu would use very light, and basic body armor, as it was difficult to maintain flexibility and mobility while in heavy armor.
Unlike in other parts of India, warriors in Kerala belonged to all castes and religions.
Women in Keralite society also underwent training in Kalaripayattu, and still do so to this day. Keralite women such as
Unniyarcha
Unniyarcha (sometimes spelled "Uñnįarcha") is a legendary warrior and heroine 16th century mentioned in the '' Vadakkan Pattukal'', a set of historical ballads from northern Kerala, a state in southwestern India. She was a member of a Thiy ...
are mentioned in a collection of ballads from Kerala called the
Vadakkan Pattukal
Vadakkan Pattukal (literally, ''the songs of the north'') are a collection of Malayalam ballads from the medieval period. The songs present stories of heroes such as Aromal Chekavar and Thacholi Othenan, and heroines like
Unniyarcha. The storie ...
, and are praised for their martial prowess.
Etymology
The word ''Kalaripayattu'' is a combination of two
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
words - ''
kalari
A kalari is a gymnasium or training space primarily associated with the martial art of Kalaripayattu. The word ''kalari'' comes from Malayalam. In the past, village schools in Kerala, typically run by the traditional astrologer families, were kn ...
'' (training ground or battleground) and ''payattu'' (training of martial arts), which is roughly translated as “practice in the arts of the battlefield.”
Legend
According to legend,
Parashurama
Parashurama (), also referred to as Rama Jamadagnya, Rama Bhargava and Veerarama, is the sixth avatar among the Dashavatara of the preserver god Vishnu in Hinduism. He is believed to be one of the ''Chiranjeevis'' (Immortals), who will appea ...
is believed to have learned the art from
Shiva
Shiva (; sa, शिव, lit=The Auspicious One, Śiva ), also known as Mahadeva (; ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐ, or Hara, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hindu ...
, and taught it to the original settlers of Kerala shortly after bringing Kerala up from the ocean floor. A song in Malayalam refers to Parashurama's creation of Kerala, and credits him with the establishment of the first 108 kalaris throughout Kerala, along with the instruction of the first 21 Kalaripayattu gurus in Kerala on the destruction of enemies.
History
Early history
The combat techniques of the Sangam period (600 BCE - 300 CE) were the earliest precursors to Kalaripayattu.
[Zarrilli, Phillip B]
A South Indian Martial art and the Yoga and Ayurvedic Paradigms.
University of Exeter
, mottoeng = "We Follow the Light"
, established = 1838 - St Luke's College1855 - Exeter School of Art1863 - Exeter School of Science 1955 - University of Exeter (received royal charter)
, type = Public
, ...
.
Each warrior in the Sangam era received regular military training
[Subramanian, N. (1966). '' Sangam polity''. Bombay: Asian Publishing House. (]Wayback Machine
The Wayback Machine is a digital archive of the World Wide Web founded by the Internet Archive, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, California. Created in 1996 and launched to the public in 2001, it allows the user to go "back in time" and see ...
PDF) in target practice, horse and elephant riding. They specialized in one or more of the important weapons of the period including the spear (''vel''), sword (''val''), shield (''kedaham''), and bow and arrow (''vil ambu'').
Other theories postulate that certain tribal groups inhabiting ancient Kerala founded Kalaripayattu in order to defend themselves against threats from similar groups.
Medieval history
According to historian
A. Sreedharan Menon, Kalaripayattu was among the most important aspects of feudal
Keralite society, as it helped impart military training and
Spartan
Sparta ( Doric Greek: Σπάρτα, ''Spártā''; Attic Greek: Σπάρτη, ''Spártē'') was a prominent city-state in Laconia, in ancient Greece. In antiquity, the city-state was known as Lacedaemon (, ), while the name Sparta refe ...
-like discipline amongst the youth of
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
, irrespective of caste, community or sex.
Each village in medieval Kerala had its own ''kalari'', which contained a presiding deity known as
''Bhagavathy'' or ''Paradevata''. Children in Kerala who finished their normal academic studies in local schools would join their local ''kalari'' to receive further military training. This was especially common amongst martial sects of various communities in Kerala, such as the
Nair
The Nair , also known as Nayar, are a group of Indian Hindu castes, described by anthropologist Kathleen Gough as "not a unitary group but a named category of castes". The Nair include several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom histo ...
s and
Thiyyas.
Duarte Barbosa
Duarte Barbosa (c. 14801 May 1521) was a Portuguese writer and officer from Portuguese India (between 1500 and 1516). He was a Christian pastor and scrivener in a '' feitoria'' in Kochi, and an interpreter of the local language, Malayalam. Barbo ...
, a
Portuguese
Portuguese may refer to:
* anything of, from, or related to the country and nation of Portugal
** Portuguese cuisine, traditional foods
** Portuguese language, a Romance language
*** Portuguese dialects, variants of the Portuguese language
** Portu ...
explorer who visited Kerala in the 16th century, wrote about Nair military training in Kalaripayattu, and stated:
The more part of Nayars (Nairs), when they are seven years of age, are sent to schools, where they are taught many tricks of nimbleness and dexterity; there they teach them to dance and turn about and to twist on the ground, to take royal leaps and other leaps and this they learn twice a day as long as they are children and they become so loose jointed and supple and they make them turn their bodies contrary to nature; and when they are fully accomplished in this, they teach them to play with the weapon they are most inclined, some play with bows and arrows, some with poles to become spearmen, but most with swords and are ever practising. The Nayars (Nairs) are bound, however old they may be, to always go (for training) in the winter (the rainy season or monsoon season) to take their fencing lessons until they die.
-
Duarte Barbosa
Duarte Barbosa (c. 14801 May 1521) was a Portuguese writer and officer from Portuguese India (between 1500 and 1516). He was a Christian pastor and scrivener in a '' feitoria'' in Kochi, and an interpreter of the local language, Malayalam. Barbo ...
, 16th century Portuguese explorer
Barbosa also noted that the physical exercise complexes of Nairs and Thiyyas, created a network of martial culture in Malabar from the medieval times.
Edgar Thurston
Edgar Thurston CIE (1855– 12 October 1935) was the British Superintendent at the Madras Government Museum from 1885 to 1908 who contributed to research studies in the fields of zoology, ethnology and botany of India, and later also publish ...
has written in
Castes and Tribes of Southern India about the attacking style of sword called
Urumi
Urumi (Malayalam: ''uṟumi''; Sinhalese: ''ethunu kaduwa''; Hindi: ''āra'') is a sword with a flexible, whip-like blade, originating in modern-day Kerala in the Indian subcontinent. It is thought to have existed from as early as the Sangam per ...
which is unique to Kalaripayattu,which was extensively used during medieval period, he has written :
The Tiyans (Thiyyar
The Ezhavas () are a community with origins in the region of India presently known as Kerala, where in the 2010s they constituted about 23% of the population and were reported to be the largest Hindu community. They are also known as ''Ilhava'' ...
) were further allowed to wear gold jewels on the neck, to don silken cloths, to fasten a sword round the waist, and to carry a shield. The sword was made of thin pliable steel, and worn round the waist like a belt, the point being fastened to the hilt through a small hole near the point. A man, intending to damage another, might make an apparently friendly call on him, his'body loosely covered with a cloth, and to all appearances unarmed. In less than a second, he could unfasten the sword round his waist, and cut the other down.
Medieval Kerala, according to Menon, was the "golden age" for Kalaripayattu in Kerala, culminating with the writing of the
''Vadakkan Pattukkal'' and the establishment of heroes and heroines in Kerala's folklore, such as Aromal Chekavar,
Unniyarcha
Unniyarcha (sometimes spelled "Uñnįarcha") is a legendary warrior and heroine 16th century mentioned in the '' Vadakkan Pattukal'', a set of historical ballads from northern Kerala, a state in southwestern India. She was a member of a Thiy ...
, and Thacholi Othenan, who were celebrated for their martial prowess, chivalry and idealism.
In this period, Kalaripayattu also saw extensive usage in the
Keralite practice of ''
ankam Ankam is a Malayalam word meaning combat or battle. It may refer either to a duel or a larger scale war. In medieval Kerala, ankam served as a way to settle disputes between districts and nobles. The duellists, called Chekavar or Ankachekavar, were ...
'' ("combat" or "battle" in
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
) in settling disputes. ''Ankam'' was a form of battle or combat which was commonly used in feudal Kerala as a way to settle disputes that could not be settled by local governmental assemblies. A variant of ''ankam'', called ''poithu'' was also practiced, and was a duel between two individuals. Combatants participating in ''ankam'' or ''poithu'' used Kalaripayattu, and the combatants were given up to 12 years to prepare and train prior to the ''ankam'' itself, so that all combatants could achieve the highest level of proficiency with Kalaripayattu's traditional weaponry. In some cases, professional mercenaries trained in Kalaripayattu were paid to engage in ''ankam'' on the behalf of others.
The widespread practice and prevalence of Kalaripayattu in Kerala began to decline in the 17th century, when the usage of guns and cannons became widespread. This also coincided with the
European invasions into Kerala, after which, firearms began to surpass the usage of traditional weaponry such as swords and spears.
Modern practice
In 1804, the British banned Kalaripayattu in
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
in response to the
Kottayathu War, a rebellion against British rule in Kerala led by the Keralite king
Pazhassi Raja
Pazhassi Raja () (3 January 1753 – 30 November 1805) was known as Kerala Varma and was also known as Cotiote Rajah and Pychy Rajah. He was a warrior Hindu prince and de facto head of the kingdom of Kottayam, otherwise known as Cotiote, in ...
. The ban came into effect shortly after Pazhassi Raja's death on November 30, 1805, resulting in the closure of most of the major ''kalari'' training grounds in Kerala. Following the ban, many Keralite
''gurukkals'' of Kalaripayattu resisted the ban and continued to teach Kalaripayattu to their students in secret. ''Gurukkals'' such as Kottakkal Kanaran Gurukkal, Kovilkandi Kelu Kurup Gurukkal and Maroli Ramunni Gurukkal, learned and preserved the martial art for posterity and were responsible for preserving Kalaripayattu into the beginning of the twentieth century, as well as sparking the revival of Kalaripayattu in Kerala in the 1920s.
The resurgence of public interest in Kalaripayattu began in the 1920s in
Thalassery
Thalassery (), formerly Tellicherry, is a municipality, Commercial City on the Malabar Coast in Kannur district, in the state of Kerala, India, bordered by the List of districts of India, districts of Mahé, India, Mahé (Pondicherry), Kozhikode ...
, as part of a wave of rediscovery of the traditional arts throughout
southern India
South India, also known as Dakshina Bharata or Peninsular India, consists of the peninsular southern part of India. It encompasses the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the union territ ...
and continued through the 1970s surge of general worldwide interest in martial arts.
During this period of renewed public interest in Kerala's native martial art, Kalaripayattu ''gurukkals'' such as Chambadan Veetil Narayanan Nair, and Chirakkal T. Sreedharan Nair rose to prominence as the primary ''gurukkals'' who preserved and transmitted the martial during the twentieth century and into the modern era. Chambadan Veetil Narayanan Nair, a student of Kottakkal Kanaran Gurukkal, and in whose memory the CVN Kalaris are named, opened several ''kalaris'', and began to spread Kalaripayattu across its native state of Kerala, revitalizing the art across the state in the twentieth century.
Chirakkal T. Sreedharan Nair is also widely credited for reviving and preserving Kalaripayattu
by writing the first books ever written on Kalaripayattu, as well as writing the first authoritative text on the martial art. Sreedharan Nair is credited with writing ''Kalaripayattu'', the first book ever written on Kalaripayattu, in 1937. This book was written in
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
, and listed the ''vaithari'' or oral commands, of all the exercises relating to ''meypayattu'', or conditioning techniques.
He is also credited with writing the first authoritative text and
primer on Kalaripayattu, called ''Kalarippayattu – A Complete Guide to Kerala’s Ancient Martial Art.'' The text, alongside a compilation of Sreedharan Nair's teaching notes, were translated into English by his sons S.R.A. Das and S.R.D. Prasad and then published by
Westland Books
Westland Books or Westland Publications is an Indian publishing house. It was co-founded by the Padmanabhan family in 1962, starting out under the name East West Books. Tata owned it from 2008 as a subsidiary under Trent (Westside)
Trent Li ...
. The book contains over 1,700 action photographs as well as explanations behind all of the exercises. It continues to be the most authentic reference material on Kalaripayattu to this day.
In the modern era, Kalaripayattu is also used by practitioners of Keralite dance styles, such as
Kathakali and
Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam, ( ml, മോഹിനിയാട്ടം), is an Indian classical dance form that developed and remained popular in the state of Kerala. Kathakali is another classical dance form of Kerala. Mohiniyattam dance gets its name fr ...
, as part of their training regimens.
Recently, dancers from other, non-Keralite dance forms have also begun to incorporate Kalaripayattu into their training regimes, such as
Vasundhara Doraswamy, a well known
Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam () is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the eight widely recognized Indian classical dance forms, and expresses South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of ...
dancer.
In 2017, a 73 year old ''gurukkal'' from
Vadakara
Vatakara, also spelled Vadakara (formerly Badagara), , french: Bargaret, is a Municipality in the state of Kerala, India. Vatakara is located between Kannur and Kozhikode. The municipality of Vatakara covers an area of and is bordered by Ma ...
,
Sri Meenakshi Amma, was awarded the
Padma Sri by the
Government of India
The Government of India (ISO: ; often abbreviated as GoI), known as the Union Government or Central Government but often simply as the Centre, is the national government of the Republic of India, a federal democracy located in South Asia, ...
for her contributions to the preservation of Kalaripayattu.
In January 2021, the
Government of Kerala
Government of Kerala is the Subnational administrative division, subnational government of the Indian state of Kerala. The government is led by a chief minister, who selects all the other ministers. The chief minister and their most senior mini ...
announced the opening of The Kalaripayattu Academy in
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
's capital,
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (; ), also known by its former name Trivandrum (), is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the most populous city in Kerala with a population of 957,730 as of 2011. The encompassing urban agglomeration populati ...
, under the management of the
Kerala Department of Tourism.
The Kalaripayattu Academy will comprise an area of 3,500 feet, and will be part of the Vellar Crafts Village. The Kalaripayattu classes will be taught by a group of ''gurukkals'' from Kerala, led by
Sri Meenakshi Amma, a Kalaripayattu ''gurukkal'' and Padma Sri recipient. The Kalaripayattu Academy will initially teach 100 students, both adults and children, in both morning and evening classes.
Chief Minister
A chief minister is an elected or appointed head of government of – in most instances – a sub-national entity, for instance an administrative subdivision or federal constituent entity. Examples include a state (and sometimes a union terri ...
Pinarayi Vijayan
Pinarayi Vijayan (; born 24 May 1945) is an Indian Communist politician who is the current Chief Minister of Kerala, serving since 25 May 2016. A member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), he is the longest-serving sec ...
is set to announce the syllabus of the academy in 2021.
Practice
![JasmineSimhalan-kalaripayatt-silamb](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/JasmineSimhalan-kalaripayatt-silamb.gif)
Traditions and methods of teaching of Kalaripayattu varied between different regions of Kerala. Kalaripayattu is taught in a specialized training ground known as a ''
kalari
A kalari is a gymnasium or training space primarily associated with the martial art of Kalaripayattu. The word ''kalari'' comes from Malayalam. In the past, village schools in Kerala, typically run by the traditional astrologer families, were kn ...
''. The location and construction of each ''kalari'' is built in accordance to
Hindu
Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
architectural treatises such as the
''Vastu Shastras'' along with various religious traditions and customs native to
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
. Specifications are made regarding the physical dimensions of the ''kalari'', how deep the ground in a ''kalari'' must be, along with the material that the floor of the ''kalari'' must consist of. The floor of each ''kalari'' consists of red sand which is mixed with specific herbs that are said to aid in the treatment of small wounds suffered during training. The directional aspects of ''kalari'' construction are also specified, such as the entrance of the ''kalari'' facing east, and the location of ritualistic structures such as the ''Poothara'', ''Ganapatithara'', and ''Guruthara'', are to face the west. The ''Poothara'' ("Flower ground" or "Flower floor" in
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 2 ...
) in a kalari is a seven-step raised platform with a lotus-shaped ''kumbha'' or figure, at its apex. The seven steps represent the seven
''dhatu'' and the ''
kosha'' of the human body as per
Ayurvedic traditions. The ''kumbha'' at the apex of the poothara is said to represent
Bhagavathy
Bhagavatī (Devanagari: भगवती, IAST: Bhagavatī), is a Hindu epithet of Sanskrit origin, used as an honorific title for female deities in Hinduism. It is primarily used to address one of the Tridevi: Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati.
...
or the heart of the individual. The Ganapatithara ("Ground of
Ganapati
Ganesha ( sa, गणेश, ), also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon and is the Supreme God in Ganapatya sect. His image is found throughout India. Hindu ...
" in Malayalam) is the area of the kalari that is reserved for the worship of Ganapati, a
Hindu
Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
deity that is said to be the remover of obstacles. The Guruthara ("Ground of the
Guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverential ...
" in Malayalam) is the area of the kalari that is reserved for worship of the Guru of the ''kalari,'' who represents the tradition of gurukkals in Kerala who protected and taught Kalaripayattu to the next generation. In the Ganapatithara, Ganapati is symbolically invoked by the placing of an ''otta'', or tusk-shaped wooden stick. The ''paduka'', or footwear, is placed at the Guruthara to symbolize the life of a gurukkal.
The presiding deity of Kalaripayattu is said to be
Bhadrakali
Bhadrakali (IAST: Bhadrakālī; ), also known as Mahakali and Kali, is a Hindu goddess.
According to Shaktism, she is one of the fierce forms of the Supreme Goddess Shakti, or Adi Parashakti, mentioned in the Devi Mahatmyam. In Vaishnavi ...
or
Bhagavathy
Bhagavatī (Devanagari: भगवती, IAST: Bhagavatī), is a Hindu epithet of Sanskrit origin, used as an honorific title for female deities in Hinduism. It is primarily used to address one of the Tridevi: Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati.
...
. Before every training session in the kalari, salutations are provides to the presiding deities and obedience is paid to the kalari temple. Students apply
tilak
In Dharmic culture, the ''tilaka'' ( sa, तिलक) () is a mark worn usually on the forehead, at the point of the Ajna chakra, or sometimes another part of the body such as the neck, hand, chest or arm. ''Tilaka'' may be worn daily or for ...
or tikka on their foreheads and upon the forehead of the idol of the presiding deity using soil from the ground of the kalari.
The traditional training uniform used in Kalaripayattu is the ''kachakettal'', a loincloth that is either red and white or red and black in colour. Along with traditional attire, oral commands, or ''vaithari'', are given by the guru during training sessions, and are given in Sanskrit or Malayalam.
Historically, all Keralites of the
Hindu
Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
community, men and women alike, would undergo mandatory training in Kalaripayattu beginning at the age of 7 or 9 and lasting until the end of their education. By the 11th century AD, members of other communities also began practicing the art. According to noted historian Professor A. Sreedharan Menon, "each ''desam'' or locality had a kalari with a guru at its head and both boys and girls received physical training in it." Warriors, soldiers and others who wanted to pursue a martial career would continue their training for the rest of their lives. Generally, two styles of Kalaripayattu are acknowledged among Kalari practitioners: the Northern Style and the Southern Style.
These two systems have marked similarities in their styles or ''vazhi'' ("way" or "method" in Malayalam), such as ''Hanuman Vazhi'', ''Bhiman Vazhi'', and ''Bali Vazhi'' among others.
Each style, or ''vazhi'', in Kalaripayattu has a different purpose. For instance, ''Hanuman Vazhi ("''The Way of
Hanuman
Hanuman (; sa, हनुमान, ), also called Anjaneya (), is a Hindu god and a divine '' vanara'' companion of the god Rama. Hanuman is one of the central characters of the Hindu epic ''Ramayana''. He is an ardent devotee of Rama and on ...
" in Malayalam) is a style that places emphasis on speed and technical application, along with several techniques to trick or outwit an enemy. ''Bali Vazhi'', ("The Way of
Bali" in Malayalam) focuses on using the opponent's technical applications against them in such a way that it becomes dangerous to the opponent themselves. In ''Bhiman Vazhi ("''The Way of
Bhiman" in Malayalam), the usage of physical strength is predominant.
The styles are variations that various masters have adapted and modified according to their understanding of the art. Development and mastery of Kalaripayattu comes from the tradition of constantly learning, adapting and improving the techniques by observing what techniques are practical and effective. While importance is placed on observation of tradition, Kalaripayattu ''gurukkuls'' have contributed to the evolution of Kalaripayattu by way of their experience and reasoning. A Kalari practitioner might encounter new fighting techniques from an enemy combatant. The Kalari practitioner would need to learn how to anticipate, adapt to and neutralize these new techniques. This is especially seen in the Southern style of Kalaripayattu, which is believed to have been adapted and modified during wars with
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
**Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nativ ...
kingdoms to counter martial arts like
Silambam
Silambam is an Indian martial art originating in South India in the Indian subcontinent. This style is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature. The World Silambam Association is the official international body of Silambam.
Origin
References ...
, which was one of the main martial art forms practiced by Tamil soldiers at the time.
Styles
There are two major styles that are generally acknowledged within traditional Kalaripayattu, and are based on the regions in which they are practiced. They are the Northern style, or ''Vadakkan Kalari'', and the Southern style, or ''Thekkan Kalari.''
The northern style of Kalaripayattu, or ''Vadakkan Kalari,'' is primarily practiced in the
Malabar region of
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
, and is based on elegant and flexible movements, evasions, jumps and weapons training. The southern style of Kalaripayattu, or ''Thekkan Kalari,'' is primarily practiced in the southern regions of Kerala, and specializes in hard, impact based techniques with emphasis on hand-to-hand combat and pressure point strikes. Both systems make use of internal and external concepts.
A third style, the Central style, or ''Madhya Kalari'', is also practiced, but it is less commonly practiced than its northern and southern counterparts.
A smaller, regional style of Kalaripayattu called ''Tulunadan Kalari'', is referenced in texts such as the
Vadakkan Pattukal
Vadakkan Pattukal (literally, ''the songs of the north'') are a collection of Malayalam ballads from the medieval period. The songs present stories of heroes such as Aromal Chekavar and Thacholi Othenan, and heroines like
Unniyarcha. The storie ...
, but it is largely restricted to the
Tulu Nadu
Tulunad or Tulu Nadu, also called Bermere sristi or Parashurama Srishti, is a region and a proposed state on the southwestern coast of India. The Tulu people, known as 'Tuluva' (plural 'Tuluver'), speakers of Tulu, a Dravidian language, ar ...
region in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka. Other smaller, regional styles are also said to exist in isolated regions of Kerala, but these styles are becoming increasingly rare, and difficult to find. Examples include ''Dronamballi'', ''Odimurassery'', ''Tulu Nadan Shaiva Mura'', and ''Kayyangali''.
Northern style
The Northern style is also known as, ''Vadakkan Kalari'', and is generally regarded as the "original," form of Kalaripayattu. This system places more emphasis on physical flexibility exercises
rooted on the slogan ''Meyy kanavanam'', meaning, "make the body an eye." These exercises are done individually, as well as in combinations. After that ''meypayattu'' (a concept similar to
kata in Karate) is taught. These are a combination of flexibility exercises with offensive and defensive techniques, however, the actual techniques are taught very much later. Traditionally, the number of ''meypayattu'' may differ as per the teaching methods of the guru. Training is usually done in four stages, the first stage being ''Meipayattu'' (training stances), followed by ''Kolthari'' (practice with wooden weapons), ''Angathari'' (practice with metal weapons) and finally ''Verum kai'' (barehanded combat). Generally, the majority of the ''Kalaris'' (schools that teach Kalaripayattu) start training with weapons within 3 to 6 months. Some Kalaris only allow one weapon to be learned per year. After long stick and small stick fighting, iron weapons are introduced. Weapons training begins with the dagger and sword, followed by the spear. Not all modern schools use specialized weapons. Traditionally, bows and arrows were commonly used in Kerala and students were trained in these techniques, but is rarely taught today.
Kalaripayattu has three forms, which are distinguished by their attacking and defensive patterns. They are ''Arappa Kayy'', ''Pilla Thangi'', and ''Vatten Thiripp''.
Southern style
The Southern style is also known as ''Thekkan Kalari''. Traditionally, it is believed to be a style of Kalaripayattu that is said to have been altered and influenced by
Agastya. It is an essentially the northern style of Kalaripayattu that has been influenced by martial arts from neighboring regions, such as
Varma Adi or
Adi Murai. While the Southern form of Kalaripayattu has notable similarities to Varma Adi, it is considered to be a distinct and separate martial art from Varma Adi due to its similarities to Northern Kalaripayattu. The similarities between the southern form of Kalaripayattu and Varma Adi are likely due to geographic proximity to each other, with the Southern style of Kalaripayattu being considered a mixture of Kalaripayattu and Varma Adi. While the Southern style is less commonly practiced in Kerala compared to the Northern style, it is revered in Kerala as a combination of the teachings of both Parashurama and Agastya. It is predominantly practiced in some regions of the southern parts of Kerala, particularly in areas near
Kanyakumari
Kanniyakumari (; , referring to Devi Kanya Kumari), also known as Cape Comorin, is a city in Kanniyakumari district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent and the southernmost city in mainland Ind ...
. While many of the exercises of the Southern style are identical to the Northern Style, it is more combative and martial in nature, and places heavy emphasis on hand-to-hand combat, hard impact techniques, and footwork, rather than emphasizing flexibility like the Northern style. It starts with the training in ''Chuvadu,'' a system of various combinations of fighting techniques similar to
Muay Thai and
Judo
is an unarmed modern Japanese martial art, Olympic sport (since 1964), and the most prominent form of jacket wrestling competed internationally.『日本大百科全書』電子版【柔道】(CD-ROM version of Encyclopedia Nipponica, "Judo"). ...
.
Immediately after that, sparring with a partner is introduced as part of the training. These pre-determined techniques are repeatedly trained. After a basic proficiency in unarmed combat is established, weapons training begins with a small stick. Small stick training is usually done with two combatants, armed with a stick or dagger. These are primarily defensive techniques. Fighting techniques with two combatants having the same weapons include sparring with long stick, sword, etc. During the duration of this training, the refining of un-armed combat also progresses. As the student gains more experience, a small amount of knowledge pertaining to the ''Marma'' points (pressure points) is also taught to the student if deemed appropriate by the ''gurukkal''.
Kalaripayattu techniques are a combination of steps (''Chuvadu'') and postures (''Vadivu''). ''Chuvadu'' literally means 'steps', the basic steps of the martial arts. ''Vadivu'' literally means 'postures' or stances which are the foundations of Kalaripayattu training. They are named after animals, and are usually presented in eight forms. Styles differ considerably from one tradition to another. Not only do the names of poses differ, but their utilization and interpretation vary depending on the ''gurukkal'', and the traditions of the ''kalari''. Each stance has its own style, combination, and function. These techniques vary from one style to another.
Marmashastram and massage
It is claimed that experienced Kalari warriors could disable or kill their opponents by merely striking the correct ''marmam'' (vital point) on their opponent's body. This technique is taught only to the most promising and level-headed students so as to discourage misuse of the technique. ''Marmashastram'' stresses on the knowledge of marmam and is also used for marma treatment (''marmachikitsa''). This system of marma treatment originated from
Ayurveda
Ayurveda () is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is pseudoscientific. Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population rep ...
, as well as
Siddha medicine
Siddha medicine is a form of traditional medicine originating in southern India. It is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India.
In rural India, have learned methods traditionally through master-disciple relationships to become loca ...
. Critics of Kalaripayattu have pointed out that the application of marmam techniques against neutral outsiders has not always produced verifiable results.
The earliest mention of marmam is found in the ''
Rig Veda'', where
Indra is said to have defeated
Vritra
Vritra () is a danava in Hinduism. He serves as the personification of drought, and is an adversary of the king of the devas, Indra. As a danava, he belongs to the race of the asuras. Vritra is also known in the Vedas as Ahi (Sanskrit: ', lit ...
by attacking his ''marmam'' with a
vajra
The Vajra () is a legendary and ritual weapon, symbolising the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force).
The vajra is a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs may meet in a ball-shap ...
. References to marmam are also found in the ''
Atharva Veda
The Atharva Veda (, ' from ' and ''veda'', meaning "knowledge") is the "knowledge storehouse of ''atharvāṇas'', the procedures for everyday life".Laurie Patton (2004), Veda and Upanishad, in ''The Hindu World'' (Editors: Sushil Mittal and G ...
''. With numerous other scattered references to vital points in Vedic and epic sources, it is certain that India's early martial artists knew about and practiced attacking or defending vital points.
[ Sushruta (c. 6th century BC) identified and defined 107 vital points of the human body in his ''Sushruta Samhita''. Of these 107 points, 64 were classified as being lethal if properly struck with a fist or stick.][J. R. Svinth (2002)]
A Chronological History of the Martial Arts and Combative Sports.
''Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences''. Sushruta's work formed the basis of the medical discipline Ayurveda
Ayurveda () is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is pseudoscientific. Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population rep ...
, which was taught alongside various Indian martial arts that had an emphasis on vital points, such as Varma kalai
Varma Kalai (Tamil: ''varmakkalai'', Malayalam and Sanskrit: ''marma-vidya'', Sinhala: ''maru kalā'', Telugu: ''marma-vidya kaḷa'') is a Tamil traditional art of vital points. It originated in present-day Kanyakumari,Tamilnadu, the southern ...
and Marma adi.
As a result of learning about the human body, Indian martial artists became knowledgeable in the fields of traditional medicine and massage. Kalaripayattu teachers often provide massages (''uzhichil'') with medicinal oils to their students in order to increase their physical flexibility or to treat muscular injuries. Such massages are generally termed ''thirumal'' and the unique massage given to increase flexibility is known as ''katcha thirumal''.
Governing bodies
In India, the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation (IKF) in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (; ), also known by its former name Trivandrum (), is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the most populous city in Kerala with a population of 957,730 as of 2011. The encompassing urban agglomeration populati ...
is one of the primary governing bodies of Kalaripayattu. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is a branch of the Government of India which administers the Department of youth affairs and the Department of Sports in India. Anurag Thakur is the current Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports followed ...
of the Government of India
The Government of India (ISO: ; often abbreviated as GoI), known as the Union Government or Central Government but often simply as the Centre, is the national government of the Republic of India, a federal democracy located in South Asia, ...
. It received affiliation as a regional sports federation in 2015.
The Kalaripayattu Federation of India (KFI), based in Kozhikode
Kozhikode (), also known in English as Calicut, is a city along the Malabar Coast in the state of Kerala in India. It has a corporation limit population of 609,224 and a metropolitan population of more than 2 million, making it the second l ...
, is another governing body of Kalaripayattu, as has been recognized by the Indian Olympic Association
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) or Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) is the body responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Olympic Games, Asian Games and other international athletic meets and for managing the Indian teams ...
.
The Kerala Kalaripayattu Association (KKA) in Thiruvananthapuram is also a governing body of the martial art which is recognised by the Kerala State Sports Council.
Notable practitioners
Kottakkal Kanaran Gurukkal (1850-1935), the ''gurukkal'' of Chambadan Veetil Narayanan Nair. Korrakkal Kanaran Gurukkal is recognized as one of the ''gurukkals'' who preserved Kalaripayattu in Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
and allowed it to survive into the twentieth century after studying it from several gurukkals in the Malabar region of the state.
Chambadan Veetil Narayanan Nair (1905-1944), a Kalaripayattu ''gurukkal'' and student of Kottakal Kanaran Gurukkal, who was popularly known as "CVN" and in whose memory the CVN Kalaris sprang up across Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
, enabling the revival of Kalaripayattu across its native state.
Chirakkal T. Sreedharan Nair (1909-1984), a Kalaripayattu ''gurukkal'', and founder of Sree Bharat Kalari (formerly known as Rajkumar Kalari). He is known for writing the first books on Kalaripayattu. His first work, ''Kalaripayattu'', written in Malayalam and published in 1937, was the first book written on Kalaripayattu. He also authored first authoritative text and primer on Kalaripayattu, called ''Kalarippayattu – A Complete Guide to Kerala’s Ancient Martial Art.'' The text is considered to be the most authentic reference material on Kalaripayattu to this day.
For their contributions to the preservation of Kalaripayattu, Meenakshi Amma, a 73 year old ''gurukkal'' from Vadakara
Vatakara, also spelled Vadakara (formerly Badagara), , french: Bargaret, is a Municipality in the state of Kerala, India. Vatakara is located between Kannur and Kozhikode. The municipality of Vatakara covers an area of and is bordered by Ma ...
and Sankara Narayana Menon Chundayil, a ''gurukkal'' from Chavakkad
Chavakkad, formerly Chowghat, is a municipality in Thrissur district of Kerala state in India. It is a suburban town of Thrissur city. Chavakkad is noted for its beach and fishing. It lies on National Highway 66 is located about north of the ...
, were awarded the Padma Sri by the Government of India
The Government of India (ISO: ; often abbreviated as GoI), known as the Union Government or Central Government but often simply as the Centre, is the national government of the Republic of India, a federal democracy located in South Asia, ...
.
In popular culture
In the Indian graphic novel
A graphic novel is a long-form, fictional work of sequential art. The term ''graphic novel'' is often applied broadly, including fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work, though this practice is highly contested by comic scholars and industry ...
s ''Odayan'' and ''Odayan II – Yuddham'', the title character is a vigilante who is highly skilled in Kalaripayattu, with the story itself being set in 16th century feudal Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
.
''Little Kalari Warriors'', a cartoon made by Toonz Animation India
Toonz is a 2D animation software program. The base application is currently managed by Dwango as open-source software under the name OpenToonz. An extended commercial variant for professional individuals and studios, Toonz Premium, is being de ...
for Cartoon Network, features Kalaripayattu practitioners as the principal characters. Kalaripayattu is also seen in the Indian animated film '' Arjun: The Warrior Prince'' (2012). In the Indian role-playing game ''Ashwathama — The Immortal'', which is based on Indian mythology, the fight scenes were choreographed using Kalaripayattu, with the movements of the characters being motion captured from real Kalaripayattu masters.
Kalaripayattu is used as a fighting style for the character Connie Maheswaran in the American animated television series ''Steven Universe
''Steven Universe'' is an American animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network. It tells the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Steven Universe ( Zach Callison), who lives with the Crystal Gems—magical, mineral ...
''. Outside of Indian video games, characters in international games also use Kalaripayattu, such as Voldo
is a fictional character in the ''Soulcalibur'' series of video games. Created by Namco's Project Soul division, he first appeared in ''Soul Edge'', and later in all games of the ''Soulcalibur'' series with the exception of ''Soulcalibur Legends' ...
in ''Soul Edge
is a fighting game developed by the Namco team Project Soul and published by Namco as the first installment in the ''Soulcalibur'' series of 3D fighting games. Originally released as an arcade game in December 1995 in video gaming, 1995, an upgra ...
'', Asura in ''Death Battle'', and Zafina in the '' Tekken'' series among others. The style is also used by Cyril Rahman, Ethan Stanley and Shō Kanō in the Japanese manga TV series '' Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple''. In 2019, a character of Indian origin was introduced for the first time in the Japanese manga, ''Agari''. It features a character named Ravi, a Kalaripayattu master, as the protagonist.
While numerous documentaries have been made about or referencing Kalaripayattu, one of the earliest known documentaries on the subject is a BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC
Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board exam. ...
...
''. Kalaripayattu was also documented in
.
* Balakrsnan, Pi (1995) ''Kalarippayattu: The ancient martial art of Kerala'', C.V. Govindankutty Nair Gurukka 1995, ASIN B0006F9ONS
* Denaud, Patrick (1996) ''Kalaripayat'', Budostore,
* Elgood, Robert (2005) ''Hindu Arms and Ritual: Arms and Armour from India 1400-1865'', Eburon Publishers,
* Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1992)
* Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1993)