Kalaripayattu, also known as Kalari, is the ancient and traditional martial art of Kerala, a significant aspect of the region’s social and cultural heritage. The word Kalaripayattu is the combination of two words, Kalari, which means training ground, and Payattu, which means martial arts. Kalaripayattu improves flexibility, focus, builds confidence, and helps with self-awareness.
Origin
Legend says, Parusharama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, learned this art from Lord Shiva and taught it to his people as a means of self-defence and destruction of enemies.
Research shows it originated in the Sangam period as each warrior received regular training in skills like horse and elephant riding, weapon usage, and target practice. Kalaripayattu was also practiced in the 12th century among the feudal Kerala society, and these combat techniques were used in the war between the Chera and Chola kingdoms.
Unique Practices
Every village traditionally had its kalari, where the sacred deity of the region was placed. Children mostly from the Nair and Thiyyar communities were trained in kalaripayattu.
- Weapons
The kalari experts were specialised in more than one weapon, such as kedaham or shield, val or sword, vel or spear, and vil ambu or bow and arrow. These weapons would be lightweight, as heavy armour would affect flexibility and mobility.
- Physical Combat
In kalaripayattu, barehanded techniques were taught first. There was emphasis on hand-to-hand combat, pressure point strikes, evasive techniques, and jump training.
- Movements
Kalaripayattu requires strength as well as great flexibility to make dance-like movements. The techniques are a combination of Chuvadu or steps and Vadivu or postures. Each of these techniques has its style and function; each of these has the names of animals and would vary depending on the master and the kalari.
- Knowledge
Kalaripayattu includes knowledge about marma points, Ayurveda, and, like yoga, it has a focus on breathwork and mental awareness.
Decline and Resurgence
Kalaripayattu had declined in the 17th century as weapons like guns and cannons became popular, and later the British banned Kalaripayattu as a response to a rebellion against them by King Pazhassi Raja, resulting in the complete closure of this martial art.
Later, Kalaripayattu surged in the early 20th century as the public grew interested in art and was used to promote the cultural heritage of Kerala.
In Modern Times
Today, this martial art is open to everyone regardless of ethnic background and gender, and thus, gaining popularity again among dancers, martial artists, and stunt performers. The Kerala state Government is also playing a huge role in promoting Kalaripayattu, including opening a Kalaripayattu Academy in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.
FAQs
Q: Where can I learn Kalaripayattu?
A:
- Madhava Matam CVN Kalari, Thiruvananthapuram
- C.V.N. Kalari, Thiruvananthapuram
- E.N.S, Nettur
- Bhargava Kalari Sangham, Kozhikode
Q: Where can I watch Kalaripayattu?
A:
- Kadathanadan Kalari, Thekkady
- Kerala Kathakali Centre, Kochi
- Punarjani Traditional Village, Munnar
