Context: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has recognized the Kalaripayattu Federation of India for its significant efforts in promoting Kalaripayattu across the country.

Kalaripayattu

• About: It comes from the South Indian state of Kerala and is often considered the oldest martial art in the world.
• Name Meaning: The term "Kalarippayattu" translates to a place (kalari) for training or fight (payattu).
• Historical Context:

o Early Evidence: Historical sources indicate that kalarippayattu existed from at least the 12th century AD.

o Development: The martial art appeared as a cohesive system of physical exercises linked with spiritual practice around the 12th century, though its foundations predate this period.

o Kerala’s Golden Age: The 9th and 10th centuries marked a period of significant development for Kerala, with the region divided into districts ruled by kings.

• Styles of Kalaripayattu:

o Northern Style (Wadakkan): Predominantly practiced in the northern part of Kerala.

o Southern Style (Tekkan): Practiced in the southern regions of Kerala.

o Central Style: Refers to the central region of Kerala.

• Stages of Payattu

o Maippayattu: Body conditioning exercises.

o Kolthari: Use of wooden weapons.

o Angathari: Use of sharp metallic weapons.

o Verumkai: Bare-handed defense and attack.