History: Mother of Martial Arts
Kalari is the Malayalam word for a special kind of Gymnasium, where the martial art known as "Kalaripayat" is practiced. It had its origin in the 4th Century A.D.
Legends claim, that the art began with the sage Parasurama in North & sage Agastya in South region, and they had taught the Brahmins the art of fighting , archery, etc. Tradition holds that they had established 108 Kalaries in these region. They built temples and introduced martial arts, which have influenced and shaped many other Martial arts like Kung-fu, Karate, Judo Taekwon-Do, etc.
A Kalarippayat demonstration includes physical exercises mock dules armed and unarmed combat. Today, Kalaripayattu is a method of physical fitness, mental balance and self defence.
Structural Features
Scientific and specific categorisation of Kalari is in terms of the measurement of the ground plan of the Kalari structure. Thus we identify the following types:
- Panteerati (12ft)
- 12 ft. Length x 12ft. Width
- Patineteerati (18ft.)
- 18 ft. Length x 9 ft. Width
- Muppatteerati (32ft.)
- 32 ft. Length x 16ft. Width
- Nalpatterati (42ft.)
- 42 ft. Length x 21ft. Width
- Anpateerati (52ft.)
- 52 ft. Length x 26ft. Width
These were two distinct types of Kalaries - Kuzhikalari in the North and Nilakalari in the south of Kerala:
A Kuzikalari is constructed by digging out soil from the ground and forming a pit for an appropriate structure. The area is protected by thateched roal of plasted coconut leaves. The skeletal structure of the roof rests on wooden or stone pillars, erected in the center of the eastern and western borders of the pit and connected with long beams. The height of the centre of the structure ranges from 32 feet to 42 feet. This construction style is known as the elephant mouthed or anavayan. The structure not only gave enough aeration but also controlled the temperature within the pit. Pouring gignely oil in the ground, plaiting the ground by sea-shells and the like, gave a healthy atmosphere for hard physical exercise.
The Nilakalaries of Southern Kerala are made by constructing mud or stone walls around the appropriate area to a height of 5 feet. and roofing it with coconut leaves.
