Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial art training and discipline of Kerala. It is regarded as the only form of the most ancient traditional systems of physical, culture, self-defense and martial art technique still existing in India. It is the forerunner of all martial arts and it is still practiced and taught in Kerala. Kalaripayattu has its root back to the 12 the century AD, when the conflicts between the feudal principalities in the region were very common.
The term Kalaripayattu means `combat training inside the gymnasium`. The word `kalarihas` is derived from the Sanskrit word `kholoorika`, which means `a military training ground`. The art is taught in a special ground called a `kalari`. The charge of the Kalari is taken by the `Nayakanmar`. The Nayakanmar then becomes `Nayar` in some regions, like `Kurup`, `Nambiar`, `Panikar` etc. The Nayar, who has the charge of a particular Kalari or group of Kalaris are called `Gurukkal`.
The Kalari is partly a gymnasium, partly school and partly regarded as a temple. It is constructed by following the traditional ethics. The kalari is designed in rectangular shape and is aligned in east west and Hindu deities are placed in each corner. The Kalaris are established in almost all the homes of the Nayars to teach the methods of welfare.
The training of Kalaripayattu starts at a very young age. Both the boys and girls come to learn the art. The learning of the art of Kalaripayattu involves the ritual stretching and flexing exercises. It is supposed to help in achieving concentration and balance. To increase the agility of limbs, a full body massage is also done. Various new weapons are introduced as the trainee or the student develops to learn the new techniques. These weapons include the sword and shield of the medieval warrior.
During the training period of Kalaripayattu art, if a trainee gets injured then treatment is done based on the Ayurvedic principles. Thus, with the development of this art, a traditional system of medical treatment for bone and soft tissue injuries also evolved.
At the time of the learning period, the trainees are offered regular physical exercises and trained with weapons like spear, dagger, sword and shield etc. The most brilliant students are taught the marmas like the vulnerable points in the human system. In some parts of Thiruvanantnapuram and Kozhikode, the art of Kalarippayattu can be seen and learnt. The training of Kalaripayattu is targeted to the ultimate coordination of mind and body.
There are two types of Kalari, one is known as Vatakkan, which is of northern style. The other is `Tekkan` and it is of southern style. Again, in Vetakkan, there are three types- Arappukkai, Pillattaanni and Vatteel tirippu. These types are most important and have wide publicity. There is a belief that sage Agastya was the Guru of Tekkan form of Kalari.
The Tekkan Kalari is more important than Vedakkan but the use of different kinds of weapons has made the Vedakkan Kalari more popular.
Earlier, the Kalaris were again of two types. The first type was smaller so, it was known as `CheruKalari` (cheru means small) or KuzhiKalari (kuzhi means the portions formed by caving in the earth). The second type was `Anka Kalari`, where `Ankam` means `fight`. The KuzhiKalari type is named so because the floor of this particular Kalari was built at a lower level than the surrounding land by taking out soil to attain the necessary depth. This type of Kalari was built to provide physical and weapon training. The systematic and scientific ways of exercise in Kalarippayattu was first imparted in the KuzhiKalari type of Kalari. If anyone visits few places of Kerala, the remaining of such ancient Kalaris can be seen. The Kalaris are of similar size and shape even now as was in earlier times. Their existence is proved from there presence of the Kalaris till now in all over the region.
The purpose of building the `Anka Kalari` was to fight duels to decide any quarrel between the local rulers or for a cause of revenge or for some other reason. For this type, the Kalaris were made in a place, which can accommodate all the people of local region so that they can watch the duel properly.
Another type of platform named, `Ankathattu` was also used for fighting duels and it belongs to the same class as `AnkaKalari`. The platforms were constructed four to six feet above the ground level for which famous carpenters were engaged. The platforms were built before the date fixed for the duel. To start with this, first elaborate rituals are performed and then the `Ankathattu` would be handed over to the fighters. With the passing of time, these ancient traditions are loosing there original existence but the practice of this art could enrich the society health wise as well as culture wise.
