Kalaripayattu is India’s oldest martial art, which is practised in Kerala. Started in Kerala, this martial art has a blend of combat, healing, and spirituality. This ancient martial art is known as the mother of martial arts; its beginning dates back to the 3rd century BCE. This martial art obtained its name from “kalari” (battlefield) and “payattu” (practice). The warriors who practice this martial art are trained in a temple-like facility known as kalaris, mastering body and mind. In recent years, it has thrived as a cultural gem, drawing global attention. From fluid movements to deadly weapons, it captivates.
Historical Roots and Mythical Beginnings
The origin of Kalaripayattu is very ancient. According to the BBC article, it was estimated that it began 3000 years ago. Legend credits Parashurama, who is also the sixth avatar of Vishnu, as the founder of this art. To practice Kalaripayattu, he established 108 kalaris across Kerala. This mythical story is really famous in Kerala. Sangam literature (600 BCE to 300 CE) has described this combat training. A known Vedic military text, Dhanurveda, mentions similar techniques. This martial art was also used during the 11th-century Chera-Chola wars to train the warriors. This martial art played an important role in feudal Kerala. Young men are trained for defence. Women like Unniyarcha became legends. The British banned practising this in 1804, nearly erasing it. Secret training kept it alive. Its blend of history and myth inspires awe.
Training Stages: A Disciplined Journey
The training for Kalaripayattu is really intense. This training unfolds in four stages. Maippayattu is practised to build physical strength. Exercises like squats and jumps enhance agility. Uzhichil messages are also given to the warriors. These oil-based treatments boost flexibility. Kolthari introduces wooden weapons. Sticks and staff are taught to teach precision. Angathari uses metal weapons to practice this martial art, like swords. Verumkaiprayoga focuses on unarmed combat. This technique also uses animal-inspired stances. Lions, cobra, and boar mimic nature’s power. To master this training spans from 12 to 15 years. Mental discipline is as important as physical prowess. This structured path creates warriors.
Weapons: Tools of Precision and Power
The arsenal for Kalaripayattu includes many unique weapons. The first step of the training is with weapons, not fists. Wooden weapons used for the training include kettukari (long staff) and otta (curved stick). Metal weapons feature a katar (dagger) and an urumi (flexible sword). The urumi is a whip-like blade that is deadly. A val (sword) and a paricha (shield) are also used by martial artists. Spears and maces add variety. Each weapon requires years of practice to master. Movements mimic animal grace. An Athma Kalari article says weapons extend the body’s intent. Warriors train in Kalaris’ sacred spaces. This arsenal defines Kalaripayattu’s combat legacy.
Ayurvedic Healing and Marma Science
Kalaripayattu, with its combat training it also integrates healing arts. Gurus master Ayurveda for recovery. Thirumal massages use herbal oils to treat sprains. Marma points are vital. Sushruta’s 6th-century BCE texts have identified 107 pressure points. According to the Karma Group report, 64 are lethal if struck. Gurus learn marma for healing or attack. Kalari Chikitsa therapy is used to heal injured warriors in a fight. This is also used in relieving joint pain. Yoga complements training. Breathing exercises build stamina. This holistic approach heals the body and mind. It sets Kalaripayattu apart.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Kalaripayattu is more than a martial art. This is a way of life. This fosters discipline and reverence among the practitioners. This martial art is a cultural anchor. In Kalaris, deities like Bhagavathy or Shiva are established. These seven-tiered platforms symbolise the virtue of a warrior. The marital art training starts with prayers. This ritual is done all over Kerala before practice. Vadakkan Pattukal ballads celebrate heroes like Aromal Chekavar. Women warriors like Unniyarcha inspire new warriors. The martial art Kalaripayattu also influences Kerala’s most famous dance form, Kathakali. In this dance, footwork mirrors combat moves. Festivals showcase demonstrations. Spirituality ties it to Kerala’s soul. This depth enriches its practice.
Regional Styles: Diverse Approaches
The marital art of Kalaripayattu varies by region in Kerala. Vadakkan, the form of Kalaripayattu which is primarily practised in northern Kerala, is acrobatic. This variation mainly focuses on power and jumps. Thekkan, the martial art practised in southern Kerala, is fluid. This focuses on circular motions. The central Kerala practices a blend of both styles. Kadathanadan also thrives in Malabar’s forests. It uses stealth and improvisation. A Kalari Manoeuvre report says Vadakkan suits open terrains. Thekkkan fits Travancore’s elegance. Each style shares core principles. Training adapts as per the geography of that area. A recent article by Hindupedia notes 12 sub-styles. This diversity showcases Kerala’s martial heritage.
Global Impact and Modern Revival
Kalaripayattu has a big influence on global martial arts. A 5th-century famous monk, Bodhidharma, took this martial art to China. According to the Karma Group article, this martial art has links to Shaolin Kung Fu. The British ban on practising this martial art in the 1800s suppressed it. But Gurus like Kottakkal Gurukkal were trained in secret. This art thrived through its resilience. In recent years, this martial art practice has drawn tourists from all around the globe. The Kerala Kalaripayattu Academy offers classes to interested people. The schools of practising Kalaripayattu are opening in the U.S. and Europe. Films like The Myth showcase this martial art. Fitness enthusiasts embrace its rigour. Its revival blends tradition and modernity.
Why Kalaripayattu Endures
Kalaripayattu has been thriving in recent years, too. This martial arts’ holistic nature sets it apart from other combat practices. Practising this martial art also builds mental strength. Unlike karate, it doesn’t have belt ranks. Self-mastery is its goal. Women like Sri Meenakshi Amma, a 2017 Padma Shri winner, are prominent figures who practice it. She had a 70-year career in it. Kalaris follow Vastu Shastra for harmony. Over 1000 kalaris are still operating in Kerala. According to the Kerala Tourism report, around 50000 learners are practising this. Global interest grows yearly. It’s a lifestyle, not just combat. Its legacy inspires all.
Conclusion
Kalaripayattu is Kerala’s pride. This martial art form has a 3000-year history, which has blended myth and reality. Rigorous training is required to master this martial art. Weapons like the urumi demand rigorous training to master them. Ayurveda is also taught to heal the body and soul. Regional styles add richness to this art. Its influence birthed global martial arts. Despite getting banned in colonial times, it thrives. It’s more than a martial art. Practising this martial art leads to the path to discipline and balance. Kalaripayattu is India’s timeless gift.
