At a Glance

This is an earnest attempt to introduce the age-old martial institution of Kerala to an outside audience, who takes interest in the study of the cultural heritage of this region. As a heritage handed down the centuries, the institution of Kalarippayatte has become popular among the lovers of martial art.
Although its origin and growth are shrouded in mystery, the ancient ballads and-foreign accounts have left detailed notes on its practices and the physical culture it promoted. As an institution, the Kalari has greatly influenced the cultural life of Kerala society.The villages of medieval Kerala had a kalari, a temple, and a public tank for bathing, - a rare combination of religion, hygiene, public health and defence. Although the Kalari system was an offshoot from the Hindu way of life, it was shared by all people, irrespective of caste and religion, as a common legacy.
Social BackgroundKerala, has made valuable contributions to the world culture and one of them, is the institution of Kalari.
It has a continuity over the centuries and is based on the idea of a sound mind in a sound body. Here, a child along with its learning of reading and writing, was initiated into physical conditioning as in the early civilization of Sparta. Such mental and physical training, starting from childhood, well equipped the child, to face any situation of contingency in life.

Kerala, though separated from the rest of the country on account of her geographical features, is exposed to the continent through the southern and northern plains and a number of gaps in the western ghats. The land is further segmented by deep and wide rivers, forests and valleys. These territorial divisions formed Nadus, which were administered by a traditional ruling chieftain or Naduvazhi. The Naduvazhies ruled under their respective kings. Each Nadu, under its respective chieftain, maintained its peculiar customs, manners and local traditions. Each of them acted as a cultural unit of a common heritage. The Brahmin settlements and their concepts of Chaturvarnya, augmented the process of social formation in Kerala. It is believed that the legendary Parasurama, who was responsible in effecting the 32 Brahmin settlements in this region, had taught the Brahmins the art of fighting, archery, etc. Tradition holds that he had established 108 Kalaries in this region.
The Brahmin authority over martial training, waned away and other caste groups came in. Some of the different Brahmin sects like the Nambisans, engaged themselves in learning and teaching Kalari.
Pazhassi Raja, a king who fought against the British, had his training under one Pindali Nambisan in the last quarter of the 18th Century. Some such teachers belonging to the Brahmin community, taught in the palaces, imparting training to the members of royal families.