Origin and Evolution of Kalaripayattu

 

Have you ever wondered where Martial Arts originated from? You might think of China, Japan, or Korea, but did you know that there is an ancient martial art that traces its roots to India?

Kalaripayattu, also known as Kalari or Kalari Payat, is a traditional martial art that originated in Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India. It is considered to be one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world, dating back to at least 200 BCE1

What is Kalaripayattu?

The word KALARIPAYATTU is a combination of 2 words, Kalari meaning a training arena and by ‘Payattu’ it means this battlefield art form .

The Kalari arena is usually located near or inside a temple and is headed by a single  master called as Gurukkal.

Kalaripayattu is a martial art that was founded out of necessity for self and community protection against the evil of those times.

What makes this art of kalari a unique treasure of India is it’s character that combines physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.

Kalaripayattu is based on the observation and imitation of movements, survival instincts, way of life of wild animals such as lion, elephant, snake, wild boar etc. Each animal represents a different style and skill of fighting.

Kalaripayattu is taught according to the Indian system of Guru shishya parampara, where the student learns from the master through personal guidance and discipline verbally & practically and then take it forward from one generation to another in its authentic form.

Unlike many other martial arts systems in the world, Kalaripayattu starts with body conditioning exercises and each and every technique is focussed on preparing the mind and body of a warrior ,ie, for further advanced training.

After a shishya has attained the iron mind and body due to the rigorous and raw training pattern of its martial moves, they progress into stage 2, which is abhyasa in wooden weapons, stage 3 , which is abhyasa in mentalic weapons , finally comes the stage 4 which is the stage of experimentation in lessons learnt via previous stages of Kalaripayattu but with bare hands.

 

It is important to note, that Kalaripayattu has another field of education in it, called as Kalari chikitsa and marma therapy.

Kalari chikitsa consists of knowledge of treatments and healing of bodily issues and injuries using the traditional Indian medicine system of Ayurveda. We shall cover it in detail in another article.

 

Where did Kalaripayattu come from? ���

Kalaripayattu was introduced and developed by Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, after he reclaimed the land of Kerala from the Arabian Sea in 200 BCE. He taught Kalaripayattu to his disciples to defend the land from invaders9. There is evidence of Kalaripayattu found in ancient texts such as the Dhanur Veda (the science of archery) and the Arthashastra (the treatise on statecraft). Kalaripayattu was influenced by various cultures and civilizations that came into contact with Kerala through trade and conquest10

The main sources of information about the origin and evolution of Kalaripayattu are oral traditions, ballads, historical records, and legends. Some of these are:

• The Vadakkan Pattukal (The Northern Ballads): These are a collection of folk songs that narrate the stories of the Chekavar (warriors) of Malabar region of Kerala. They depict their heroic deeds, battles, romances, and tragedies. They also mention Kalaripayattu as the cardinal principle of their lives11
• The Sangam Literature:These are ancient Tamil literary works that date back to 300 BCE to 300 CE. They describe various aspects of life in Tamilakam (the land of Tamils), which included parts of present-day Kerala. They also mention martial arts such as Silambam (staff fighting) and Varma Kalai (pressure point fighting) that were related to Kalaripayattu12
• The Aitareya Brahmana:This is a Vedic text that dates back to 800 BCE to 500 BCE. It mentions Kerala as one of the four independent kingdoms in southern India during the time of Emperor Ashoka (268 BCE to 232 BCE). It also mentions Keralaputra (the son of Kerala) as a term for a warrior or a ruler13
• The Puranas:These are ancient Hindu scriptures that narrate the myths and legends of gods, goddesses, sages, kings, demons, and heroes. They also mention Kerala as the land created by Parasurama and blessed by various deities. They also mention Kalaripayattu as a divine art taught by Shiva, Vishnu, and Agastya14

How did Kalaripayattu evolve over time? ���

Kalaripayattu has a long and rich history that spans over several centuries and periods. Here are some of the major phases of its development and popularity:

• The medieval period (9th to 12th centuries CE): Kalaripayattu became more refined and widespread during this period, as it was used for defence purposes by the soldiers and Malabar kings, especially during the 100-year war between the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandiyas. Kalaripayattu also influenced the art and culture of Kerala, such as Kathakali (classical dance-drama), Theyyam (ritual performance), and Thiruvathirakali (folk dance)15
• The colonial period (16th to 19th centuries CE):Kalaripayattu faced decline and suppression under the British rule, as it was banned and outlawed by the colonial authorities, who feared its potential for rebellion and resistance. Many Kalaris were destroyed and many masters were killed or imprisoned. However, some Kalaris survived underground and continued to teach Kalaripayattu secretly to their loyal students16 It will be absolutely unjust if we don’t specify the name ‘Kottakal Kanaran’ Gurukkal who was a pioneer in keeping the Kalari alive. He is the one who kept teaching students about this unique shastra Vidya and that is what was taught then, is what we are able to learn today.
• The post-independence period (20th century CE):Kalaripayattu experienced a revival and resurgence after India gained independence from Britain, as it was recognized as a cultural heritage and a source of pride for Kerala. Many Kalaris were reopened and many masters were honored and respected. Kalaripayattu also attracted the attention of scholars, researchers, artists, and enthusiasts from India and abroad17
• The contemporary period (21st century CE): Kalaripayattu has gained global recognition and popularity, as it is practised and taught by people from different countries and backgrounds, who appreciate its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Kalaripayattu has also influenced various fields such as sports, cinema, theatre, dance, medicine, education, and tourism18

What are the benefits of Kalaripayattu? ���

Kalaripayattu is not just a martial art, but a way of living that enhances one’s well-being on all levels. Here are some of the benefits of Kalaripayattu:

• Physical benefits: Kalaripayattu improves one’s strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, coordination, agility, reflexes, immunity, and overall health. It also prevents and heals various diseases and injuries through its knowledge of Ayurveda and pressure points19
• Mental benefits: Kalaripayattu enhances one’s concentration, memory, creativity, intelligence, confidence, discipline, awareness, calmness, and resilience. It also reduces stress, anxiety, anger, fear, depression, and other negative emotions20It teaches you courage.
• Spiritual benefits: Kalaripayattu awakens one’s inner potential, intuition, wisdom, compassion, joy, peace, harmony, and enlightenment. It also connects one with the divine energy that pervades all creation21

Conclusion ���

Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art that originated in Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world that combines physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. It has a long-standing history that is based on various sources such as oral traditions, ballads, historical records, and legends. It has evolved over time through different periods and influences. It has many benefits for one’s well-being on all levels.

Kalaripayattu is a fascinating art form that deserves more attention and appreciation from the world. It is not only a way of fighting but a way of living that can enrich our lives in many ways.

If you are interested in learning more about Kalaripayattu or experiencing its benefits for yourself, you can the website below:

KALARI KENDRAM : A Kalari establishment in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala that offers training courses in Kalaripayattu martial art as well as provides Kalari massage therapies as well .