Kalaripayattu - Martial art of Kerala

From the archive record

Kalaripayattu is an ancient mortal combat art form which originated from Kerala. The word 'Kalaripayattu' means 'the fighting art of the Kalari' in Malayalam (The common language of Keralites). This martial art form can be traced back to the Vedic period and is believed to have developed into ed other forms of martial arts, the ones in China, Japan and its adjoining regions. Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest forms of martial arts based on the science of Ayurveda. The technique and styles are inspired from animals such as Tigers, Lions, Snakes, Elephants, Wild Boars, and Crocodiles. Labeled as 'God's Own Country' , Kerala is located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It is also renowned for its varied martial arts. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act