Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu the martial art of Kerala was practiced even during the 6th and 7th centuries. Kalaripayattu has got clear relationship with kathakali, which is evident in the striking similarity in postures.

Kalaripayattu is composed of combat techniques and Marmachikilsa. 

Sushrutha Samhitha, written by sage Sushrutha contains specific information about the 108 number of Marmas, which when struck, pierced or just squeezed forcibly, will result in temporary paralysis, extreme pain, loss of consciousness or even immediate or delayed death. Students learn all these but following the widely held theory that weapons are essentially extensions of the limbs, the emphasis is placed upon unarmed techniques.

When a guru teaches a student with a stick or a weapon, he prays that the student would not use that for any evil purposes, that no ill befall him because of it and that it should be a protection for him from all evil forces. But whatever the guru teaches, it will add up to only one quarter of that students knowledge. A quarter he derives from his own personal interest and from hard work; a quarter comes from God’s blessing; and the final quarter comes in his old age from his own personal experiences.

Kalaripayattu is practiced in a Kalari of dimensions 42’x21’ with its floor 3’ or so below the ground level. Kalari, a property of the gurukkal (Master) will also be used for massage and treatment. A whole pantheon of gods are associated with the kalari, but the principal figure is kali, goddess of war. Even if there are no students to practice, a kalari will never be demolished. A sacred lamp will be lit there everyday.

In the olden days people used to learn this for self-defence and also to join Royal army as warriors. Shree Namboodiripad was an eminent expert in this field.

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