Knowledge nugget of the day: Kalaripayattu

Key Takeaways :

1. In the 37th edition of the National Games, held in Goa in 2023, Kalaripayattu was included in the competition section. However, this year, the art form has been listed as a demonstration event, which dampened the medal hopes of approximately 200 Kalaripayattu athletes representing 18 states who were planning to participate in the competition, said Indian Kalaripayattu Federation.

2. Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest and most scientific martial art forms in the world, aimed at mind and body coordination. It originated and is widely practiced in Kerala. According to mythology, the warrior sage Parasurama is credited with establishing Kalarippayattu. The term “Kalari” in Malayalam refers to a traditional gymnasium where this martial art, known as Payattu, is taught.

3. Talking about the Kalaripayattu , Shinto Mathew, Gurukkal of Kalari Kendram Delhi, told indianexpress.com that in Kalari training, “the attacking and defense system of eight animals — elephant, lion, wild boar, horse, snake, fighter cock, cat, fish — is incorporated.”

4. He added that there are two types of Kalaripayattu — northern and southern, which slightly differ from each other. “In north, more weapons are used as compared to south, and all movements in northern Kalari are in a straight line — forward and backward. However, down south, people can move in any direction while practicing it.”

The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has appealed to the Prime Minister’s Office more than once to include the event in the competition section. It had also held meetings with the IOA.

5. The four stages of Kalaripayattu are:

(i) Maippayattu: It is the body conditioning phase where the person is schooled to prepare their body for a fight. Only after qualifying this stage can the practitioner proceed to the next phase of training.

(ii) Kolthari: In this stage, a person is taught attack and self-defense with the help of wooden weapons such as short sticks, and long sticks.

(iii) Angathari: Once the person overcomes the fear of fighting with wooden weapons, sharp metal objects are introduced — in the third stage.

(iv) Verumkai: This stage includes research-based bare-hand fighting. Students are taught body anatomy so that they know what points they can hit and what they cannot.

6. The main ethnic styles of Kalarippayattu found in the three regions of northern Kerala (Malabar) are: 1) Vattenthirippu Style 2) Arappukkai Style 3) Pillathangi Style.

7. It is believed that Kalarippayattu was introduced to China at the Shaolin Temple in the 5th century AD by Bodhidharma, who was originally from Thanjavore, a cultural center that was part of Kerala but is now in Tamil Nadu.

8. Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk from South India, brought this remarkable martial art to China, where he trained thousands of students at the Shaolin Temple. He also introduced Kalari and Marma treatments, which included herbal medicines for contagious diseases.

BEYOND THE NUGGET: Thang-Ta (Huiyen Lallong)

1. Thang-Ta is a popular term for the ancient Manipuri martial art also known as Huiyen Lallong. Historically, Thang-Ta played a significant role in the geopolitical landscape during the medieval period.

2. It was a crucial part of the ‘Lallup’ system, a mandatory military service for all able-bodied men in Manipur. This system ensured that the kingdom was always prepared for any threat, and Thang-Ta played a vital role in maintaining the region’s independence and resilience.

Thang Ta continues to be practiced and celebrated as a cultural treasure. (Source: Freepik)

3. As an performing art form, Thang-Ta is rooted in its combat origins. During the colonial period (1891-1947), it was prohibited but managed to survive through secret home schools run by individual teachers or Gurus. Following Manipur’s integration with the Indian Union in 1949, Thang-Ta began to receive public attention and was showcased in festivals and performances abroad starting in 1976.  Today, this art form is being re-examined and celebrated for its rich cultural heritage.

4. Huiyen Lallong is a dynamic martial art that incorporates a diverse range of techniques and skills. The key techniques include:

(i) Thengou Palba (Sword and Shield): A signature aspect of Huiyen Lallong, warriors train with a traditional sword (thang) and shield (chung) to develop offensive and defensive skills.

(ii) Sarit Sarak (Unarmed Combat): Practitioners learn to use their bodies as weapons, employing strikes, kicks, joint locks, and throws to neutralize opponents.

(iii) Kanglon Chatpa (Leaping and Kicking): The art form emphasises acrobatic movements and high kicks, adding a spectacular visual element to the combat style.

(iv) Thaomei (Spear Fighting): Training with the spear (thaomei) hones agility, accuracy, and the ability to strike from a distance.

(v) Meditation and Breathing Exercises: Huiyen Lallong incorporates meditative practices to cultivate mental focus, calmness, and inner strength.

5. The combat style of Huiyen Lallong is characterised by its fluidity, agility, and adaptability. It combines elements of striking, grappling, and weapons-based combat, making it a versatile and effective system for self-defence.

(Sources: indianculture.gov.in, Tussle over Kalaripayattu’s removal from competition list ,What is Kalaripayattu?, ekbharat.gov.in, muc.ac.in, Huiyen Lallong: know about this martial art form from Manipur)

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