Origin and History of Kalarippayattu
Explore the Depths of Kalarippayattu’s Heritage and Artistry
Kalarippayattu, recognized as one of the most ancient martial arts, hails from Kerala in southern India. This art form is intricately woven into the area’s history, and culture, boasting a heritage that stretches back over millennia.
Etymology and Meaning
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•The term Kalarippayattu is derived from two Malayalam words:
•Kalari: A training ground or battlefield.
•Payattu: Practice or combat.
•Together, it means “the art of combat training in a kalari.”
Historical Roots
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1. Parasurama’s Role: Legend attributes the creation of Kalarippayattu to the sage Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Parasurama is said to have reclaimed Kerala from the sea and introduced martial arts to protect the land and its people.
2. Connection to Indian Epics: Movements in Kalarippayattu are said to draw inspiration from epic battles described in the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Techniques mimicking animals, such as lions, elephants, and snakes, link the practice to Kerala’s natural and mythological heritage.
Historical Evolution
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1. Early Origins: Believed to date back over 3,000 years, Kalarippayattu likely developed as a method to train warriors during Kerala’s tribal and early feudal eras. It was both a martial discipline and a spiritual practice.
2. Feudal Era (9th-12th Century CE): Kerala’s feudal system gave rise to constant battles between local chieftains (naduvazhis) and kingdoms. Warriors were rigorously trained in Kalarippayattu to defend their land and rulers. Each village maintained a kalari, a training ground where individuals learned combat techniques, weaponry, and healing arts.
3. Buddhist Influence and Global Connections: It is believed that the principles of Kalarippayattu influenced other martial traditions, especially in East Asia. In the 6th century CE, Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk from South India, is said to have introduced martial techniques to Shaolin monks in China, laying the foundation for Shaolin Kung Fu.
4. Colonial Era and Decline: During British rule in India, the practice of Kalarippayattu was discouraged and even banned in some regions as part of efforts to suppress indigenous traditions. This led to a significant decline in the art, with practitioners keeping it alive in secret.
Development and Revival
1. Post-Independence Revival: After India’s independence in 1947, efforts by cultural activists, historians, and martial arts practitioners led to the revival of Kalarippayattu. Today, it is practiced not only as a martial art but also as a performing art.
2. Modern Adaptations: Kalarippayattu has found a place in fitness, yoga, and wellness programs. Its principles of body control, flexibility, and meditation align well with contemporary health practices.
3. Integration with Performing Arts: The dramatic movements of Kalarippayattu have been incorporated into traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam. It has also influenced Indian cinema, choreography, and theater.
Key Features of Kalarippayattu
1. Training Structure:
Meythaari: Body conditioning and preparatory exercises.
Kolthari: Training with wooden weapons like sticks.
Ankathari: Training with metal weapons such as swords, shields, and spears.
Verumkai: Bare-handed combat techniques.
Kalari Marma Chikilsa: Treatments based on the Vital points of the human body.
2. Weaponry: Iconic weapons include the flexible Urumi (a whip-like sword), Dagger, Spear, Mace, Otta, Muchan, and Sword & Shield.
3 . Healing Practices: Kalarippayattu incorporates Marmashastra, the science of vital points on the human body, for both healing and combat. Ayurvedic principles are used for physical recovery and rejuvenation.
4. Animal Movements: Movements inspired by animals like the lion, elephant, snake, and peacock form the foundation of many techniques.
Global Significance
Cultural Recognition: Kalarippayattu is often hailed as the “mother of all martial arts” due to its influence on other traditions like Kung Fu and Karate.
World Practice: Today, it is practiced and studied globally as both a martial art and a cultural heritage.
Preservation Efforts: UNESCO and Indian cultural bodies recognize Kalarippayattu as an essential part of India’s intangible heritage.
Conclusion
Kalarippayattu, with its rich history and spiritual depth, embodies the essence of Kerala’s cultural and martial legacy. Evolving from an ancient warrior’s discipline to a modern art form, it continues to inspire people worldwide with its focus on harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
Authors' Details about this article
Acharya Binish V Nair
Acharya Binish Vasudevan Nair is renowned as one of the few masters of Kalaripayattu worldwide, known for preserving this ancient martial art tradition.
There are only a handful of kalaripayattu masters worldwide, and he is among them.
His most significant achievement is preserving this ancient Indian tradition from extinction.
His mission today is to pass on this ancient Indian tradition to future generations, ensuring it is accessible to international students, especially those studying martial arts, yoga, and Ayurveda.
To fulfill his mission, he resides in Germany with the goal of training numerous Kalaripayattu instructors throughout the country.