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Kalaripayattu - traditional martial arts form of Kerala
Kalaripayattu' is believed to be one of the oldest and comprehensive systems of martial training prevailing in the world today. Though Kalaripayattu is the ancient martial art of this state, it is considered as the forerunner of all martial arts.
As historical evidence points out, the origin of 'Kalaripayattu' can be traced back to the 12th century AD. The traditional training of Kalarippayattu, a martial art of Kerala is always done inside the Kalari (literally, threshing floor or battlefield), which is a specially constructed practice area. Payattu means 'exercise in arms or practice'.
Every Kalari has a Puttara (meaning platform where flowers are kept in Malayalam language). It's a seven tiered platform placed in the south-west corner of every Kalari, housing the the guardian deity of the Kalari. The traditional training of Kalaripayattu includes specialised and indigenous medical preparations and methods of treatment. There is also a Guruthara inside all kalaris. Guruttara means "the place where a lamp is kept burning in reverence to all the gurus (masters) of the kalari".
The weapons used are the Sword, Shield, Dagger, Spear and 'Kuruvadi's (short sticks). The training actually aims at the complete co-ordination of the mind & body. .Kalarippayatt has contributed to the traditional art and dance forms of Kerala, like the Kathakali, Koodiyattam etc. "Kathakali" has drawn elements from Kalaripayattu in its physical training and body massage for the trainee. Though Kalaripayattu has been on a decline in the past century, it has staged a come-back in the recent decades as result of the intensive efforts by various 'Kalari Sanghams' like C V N kalari etc.
