Kalarippayat is the martial art form of Kerala. 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 setback during the colonial rule, the Kalari Systems in Kerala are being revived and revitalized with new enthusiasm.

Extent of Tradition

Kalarippayat is usually described as a traditional martial art form of Kerala but similar cultural traits and institutions are found in other regions of South India and Sri Lanka and now also in Delhi.

Historical Antecedents

The institution of Kalari is generally traced to the period immediately after the disintegration of the Perumals of Kodungallur in the first quarter of the 12th Century A.D. It was an integral part of the socio-political systems of Medieval Kerala. Politically the land of Kerala was divided into a number of principalities and min chieftaincies. The alignment and enmities of the power centres resulted in constant warfare. In such a set up each power centre was forced maintain a body of fighters at the beck and call of it. Systematic training and strict rules of discipline for fighters were indispensable for an effective working of that 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 essential also.

Social Base

Medieval travelers have left behind their observations on the Kalari System. These writings by foreigners generally contain an idea that Nairs alone formed part of the soldiers of the Rajas. It is true, majority of them came of Nairs’ families. It is equally important to note that caste restrictions were not observed in Kalarippayyat.

Kalari – Structural Features

Indigenous folk narratives and technical literature furnish long lists of different types of Kalaris viz. Anka-kalari, Cheru-Kalari, Totuvor-Kalari, Totu-Kalari, etc. without mentioning any details of the structure and function. Technical wrings are more specific about the structures and function of the Kalaris. A more scientific and specific categorization of Kalaris is in terms of the measurement of the ground plan of the Kalari structure. Thus, we identify the following types.

• Aimpatteerati 52ft.
• Nalpatteerati 42ft.
• Muppatteerati 32ft.
• Patinetteerati 18ft.
• Panteerati 12ft.

The System

The Kalari training is based on an elaborate system of physical exercises. The practical experience of the body movements strengthens the knowledge of a disciple. The constant practice makes the body an eye and adds to agility and strength. At the age of seven students is recruited for his training under a Gurukal (Kalari Master). Oil massage or Uzhichil is an essential part of the training. The verbal commands of the gurukal known as Vayttari are obeyed and repeated to grasp the body movements. Each combination of step and gesture is known as adavu. Each of them helps to recollect memory and leads to correct movements.

Kalari is an empty space, for a student that space has all meanings of life and supernature. It is an abode of deities and the several generations of gurus who and initiated the disciples into training from generation to generation. The disciple makes a ritual touch of earth with right hand and propitiates the goddess of earth. After the salutations in favour of the superior elements in Kalari, the student is given the first system of exercise called Angasadhana for placing the soles of the feet. The firm step on the ground is called Akkachuvadu, movements of the sole in jumps known Chattachuvadu. The circular movement is known as Vattachuvadu. These practices including meippayattu for several months make the student fit for the training in the use of wooden and metallic weapons. Self defence and offence were the aims of these trainings. In the whole training process of Kalari system, the Kalari masters played an important role as the custodians of this traditional skill and knowledge. They remained a source of inspiration to the disciple.

Development of physical culture as an inevitable part of the socio-politico-economic life of the region had much influenced the cumulative growth of cultural aspect. Many of the Indian & Western art forms had come under the direct or indirect influence of Kalarippayatt.