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Kalarippayat
is a great and ancient physical, cultural
and martial art of Kerala, which was
in prevalence from time immemorial.
It is primarily an art of physical culture,
well developed in a most scientific
way. It aims at giving a practitioner
of the art, perfect control over his
body balance, flexibility, stamina and
speed, and perfect neuro-muscular co-ordination,
an ability of the body to react instinctively
to the senses.
Kalari
is the Malayalam (language spoken in
Kerala) word, for a special kind of
gymnasium, where the martial art known
as Kalari Payattu, is practiced. It
had its origins in the 4th century A.
D. Legends claim, that the art began
with the sage Parasurama, who possessed
mystical powers. He built temples and
also introduced martial arts, which
have influenced and shaped many other
arts. The art reached its zenith in
the 16th century, in the days of Thacholi
Othenan - a celebrated chieftain of
north Malabar. |
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A Kalari Payattu demonstration
includes physical exercises and mock
duels - armed and unarmed combat.
It is not accompanied by any music
or drumming, but is a silent combat,
where style matters the most. Kalari
Payattu is practiced by women also.
Unniyarcha was a legendary heroine,
who won many battles with distinction.
Today, Kalari Payattu is a method
of physical fitness, and an empty-handed
means of self-defence. Yet, it is
tied to traditional ceremonies and
rituals.
The Kalari also had
a place of Importance in the system
of education, which prevailed in the
ancient Kerala. It is worthwhile to
remember that Kalari has played a
decisive role in Kerala on many a
crucial occasions. It supplied the
best fighting materials against many
an invading horders.
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