KALARIPAYATTU (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)
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.
