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Kalaripayattu
is the vibrant, traditional martial art form of Kerala and is richly
blended with its cultural heritage. The term 'Kalari' denotes a gymnasium
where proper training is imparted for mind as well as muscle.
'Payattu' literally means training or exercise but in the present context
it connotes training in the traditional style of combat. After a long set
back during the colonial rule, the 'Kalari' systems in Kerala are being
revitalised with new enthusiasm.
The revival of this martial art has been made possible largely due to the
efforts of some families of 'Kalari' masters as well as the encouragement
offered by the cultural organisations and the Government of Kerala.
The Objectives Of The Art
The techniques of Kalaripayattu were used at one time in the
battlefields. In the modern times, Kalaripayattu has no role in
battlefields and its importance is confined to three aspects:
- It is a good exercise to alert the body and mind.
- It is a very good visual art.
- It is useful for self-defence.
In Kalaripayattu, starting from simple breathing exercises, a person can
awaken the total dynamism of his body and can tune it in a way he wishes.
Moreover the study of Kalaripayattu will enable a person to develop four
powers ('karuthu') which are:
· Meikaruthu: power of the body.
· Manakaruthu: power of the mind. 
·
Ankakaruthu: power to combat.
· Ayudhakaruthu: power to wield weapons.
The Genesis Of A Great Art
There is no recorded history of Kalaripayattu and the chronology of its
development is still in the midst of obscurity.
But the available historical evidence says that the form as practised
today, evolved between the 9th and 12th centuries AD.
Various mythological stories and legends are attributed to the origin of
the art, by the traditional 'Kalari' masters. According to them,
Parasurama, the mythical creator of Kerala, instituted 108 'Kalaris' all
over the land. This legend on the origin of the institution propagated by
Keralolpathi, still lingers in the minds of the Keralites.
Some masters believe that the 'Kalari' system originated out of the wrath
of Lord Siva while in his fury, to destroy Daksha yagna. Parasurama, Lord
Siva's disciple, is supposed to have studied this art from him and handed
it over to his 21 disciples in Kerala. All such legends propagate the
theory that this martial art was brought to Kerala by the Brahmins.
The first historical interpretation of the origin of the 'Kalari' system
was given by Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai. He points out that this fighting art
emerged during the 12th century from the military exigency of the "Hundred
Years War" between the Cheras and the Cholas.
The theory that 'Kalaripayattu' originated during the 'Hundred Years War'
has been now discarded as the very occurrence of the war has been
questioned and hence, the possibility of the martial art having originated
during that period has lost ground.
Extent Of Tradition
Kalaripayattu
is usually described as an indigenous martial art of Kerala but similar
cultural traits and institutions are found in other regions of South India
and Sri Lanka. The 'Garadi' of the 'Tulu' speaking 'South Canara' is an
example.
It is interesting to note that the 'Tulu' system of training was
considered to be of higher level of learning by the traditional Malabar
system. The heroes of the folk narratives of north Malabar are eulogised
as masters of the 'Tulu' techniques. Further, some of the 'Kalari' masters
in Kerala trace their origin to the Tulu speaking areas in Canara.
Studies in the Sri Lankan martial traditions have shown that a good deal
of reciprocity of relations is traceable in the culture of Kerala and Sri
Lanka. The 'Kandyan Haramba Salawa 'and the 'Kalari' of Kerala are
comparable institutions.
A number of words such as 'Angam', 'Paniker', 'Carika', 'Sevakam',
'Palisha', etc. in the Sri Lankan language, in the context of medieval
'Angam' fight suggest their relationship with the system which prevailed
in Kerala in the middle ages.
Historical Antecedents
The institutions of 'Kalari' are generally traced to the period
immediately after the disintegration of the Perumals of Kodungallur in the
first quarter of the twelfth century A.D. It was an integral part of the
socio-political system of medieval Kerala.
Politically, the land of Kerala was divided into a number of
principalities and minor chieftaincies. The alignment and enmities of
these power centres resulted in constant warfare. Small scale skirmishes
and large-scale fightings were not uncommon among these local and regional
authorities.
In such a set-up, each power centre was forced to maintain a body of
fighters at the beck. Systematic training and strict rules of discipline
for fighters were indispensable for an effective working of the system. It
was in such circumstances that the 'Kalaris', which provided the
institutional base for the body building and training in combat, became
not only necessary but also essential.
During the Chera period (C, 800-1125 A.D.) there were in Kerala several
'Salais', which were institutions for imparting training in letters,
weaponry and many other branches of medieval learning including
traditional sciences, black magic, etc. The 'Salais' were attached mostly
to temples.
These institutions enjoyed liberal patronage from the ruling houses. The
members of the 'salais' were Brahmin students who played an important role
in upholding the rights of the 'Brahmin sabhas' and the power of their
royal patrons.
These 'Salais' can be equated with the 'Ghatikas', which were in no
significant way different from the 'Salais'. Thus, the tradition of South
Indian martial training with its institutional support can be traced back
to the early medieval period.
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