Vedic Literature

VEDIC LITERATURE

(VEDIC METHODS & CONCEPTS)

*KALARIPAYYATTU*A VOILENT MARTIAL ART*

Kalari is the Malayalam word, for a special kind of Gymnasium, where the martial art known as Kalarippayattu , a martial art of Kerala, is practiced.

Kalari, literally means threshing floor or battlefield, is a specially constructed practice area.

Every Kalari has a Poothara (meaning "platform where flowers are kept" in the Malayalam language).

It's a seven tiered platform placed in the south-west corner of every Kalari, housing the guardian deity of the Kalari.

The seven tiers symbolise the seven abilities that each person must possess:

Vignesva (strength),

Channiga (patience),

Vishnu (power to command),

Vadugashcha (the posture),

Tadaguru (training),

Kali (the expression) and

Vakasta - purushu (sound).

Other deities, most of them incarnations of the Bhagavathi or Shiva, are installed in the corners. Flowers, incense and water are offered to the deity every day. Before starting the day's practice, it is the norm for practitioners to pray to the deity. Not only is the Kalari a temple of learning, but it is also a temple of religious worship with a cult and ritual of its own.

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".

Traditionally the Kalari is constructed by digging a hollow in the ground forming a sunken area four feet in depth, forty-two feet in length and twenty-one feet in breadth. This is usually called KuzhiKalari. Kuzhi means "portions formed by caving in the earth" in the Malayalam language.

The entrance to the Kalari is in the east, to let in the morning sunlight, and leads into the forty-two foot leg running East-West while the twenty-one foot leg runs North-South. Another consideration taken when constructing the kalari is that it is built in the south-west side of the main plot, just like the puttara which is kept in the South-West corner of the Kalari itself. The floor of the Kalari is leveled using mud.

Ankathattu is a four to six feet high platform constructed temporarily for the purpose of fighting duels. Ankam means war in the Malayalam language. This platform is constructed as per tradition and is in the center of the ground from where people can watch the fight. This place altogether is called AnkaKalari.

A few centuries back in Kerala, south India, quarrels between local rulers were resolved by fixing an Ankam, a duel to the death, between two Ankachekavars, each ruler being represented by one Ankachekavar. The ruler represented by the surviving Ankachekavar was considered the winner.

Famous Kalaripayattu warriors: Aromal Chekavar, Thacholi Othenan, Thacholi Marumakan Chanthu, and Unniyarcha.

Weapons

Weapons currently used for kalarippayatt

Pirambu/Neduvati/Kettukari/Shareeravadi Long Staff

Kurunthadi/Cheruvadi/Muchhan Medium Stick

Kottukampu/Thavikkana Long Stick

Urumi/Chuttuval Flexible Sword

Kuruvadi Short Stick

Otta Curved Stick

Gadha club/mace

Kattari Knife/Dagger

Vettukathi Machete/Kukri

Churika/Kadhara Short Sword

Val Long Sword

Paricha Round Shield

Kuntham Spear

Weapons referred in medieval literatures

Pirambu/Neduvati/Kettukari/Shareeravadi Long Staff

Ponti

Ambum Villum Bow and Arrow

Venmazhu Axe

Kathuthala

Trisool Trident

Valari Boomerang

Six Categories of Marama Points

Maasa Marma (on the skin/muscles)

Asthi Marma (at bones)

Snayu Marma (at the nerves)

Dhamani Marma (at arteries)

Sandhi Marma (at the joints)

Shira Marma (at the veins)

Techniques, Steps and Postures

Techniques (Atavu) in a kalarippayatt is a combination of Steps (Chuvatu) and Postures (Vadivu).

There are five steps or Chuvatus and Northern styles of kalarippayatt have Ashta Vadivukal, or eight postures (vadivu). Each posture has its own style, power combination, usefulness and effectiveness.

The eight postures in kalarippayatt is somewhat same as Five Animals styles in Chinese martial arts, such as Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake, and Dragon.

Postures (Vadivu)

Gajavadivu Elephant pose

Simhavadivu Lion pose

Asvavadivu Horse pose

Varahavadivu Wild boar pose

Sarpavadivu Serpent pose

Marjaravadivu Cat pose

Kukkuvadivu Cock pose

Matsyavadivu Fish pose (Gurukkal Govindankutty Nayar and the C.V.N. Style)

Mayuravadivu Peacock pose

Steps (Chuvatu)

Vatta Chuvatu Circular steps

Aakka Chuvatu Inside steps

Neekka Chuvatu Moving steps

Kon Chuvatu Corner steps

Ottakkal Chuvatu One leg steps

Puttara (Poothara) is a word used in Malayalam language of Kerala, south India which means - platform where flowers are kept. Its a seven tired platform and located in the South-West corner of every Kalari (training place of Kalarippayattu, martial art form in Kerala). Here is where the guardian deity is located. Flowers, incense and water is given to the deity every day. Before each person starts practicing, they pray to the deity. Not only is the Kalari a temple of learning, it is also a temple of religious worship with a cult and ritual of its own.

Training - The holistic approach of the training is aimed at the ultimate coordination and control over mind and body. The weapons become an extension of the body, controlled by the mind to achieve high degree of perfection in both offensive and defensive combats. The inherent beauty of this art form lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine.

Anyone and everyone - young, old, boys, girls, working professionals, house wives – can reap the benefits of this rich and treasured martial art. In fact, more than one third of our students are girls. Apart from mastering the intricate fighting & self defense techniques, dedicated and systematic training program at the academy helps in building a strong body and focused mind. The flexible program schedule is specially designed to suit the rigors & pressures of your daily life without compromising the ‘essence’ of training techniques as practiced in the traditional ‘Kalaries’.

Professional training programs at the academy has been classified as follows.

Beginners level

Second Level

Weapon Combat

Kalari treatment

Certificate Course

Beginners Level - Understanding Stance and Structure.

This is a prerequisite session for beginners in Kalaripayattu and usually stretches for three months. It introduces body conditioning exercises, stretching, basic hand and leg techniques, stances, and stepping. This exposure gives the new member a better foundation in order to enter into the advanced level in Kalaripayattu and focuses on achieving the skill to adopt certain stances which are broadly classified into two - 'Chuvadu and Vadivu'. Chuvadu is a position of the feet while Vadivu is a position of the posture of the body, keeping the chuvadu as its basis.

Duration: Two months.

Second Level

After the completion of the first level a Kalaripayattu trainee graduates on to Meipayattu (meaning the use of body). It is a series of exercises, in 18 different lessons designed to achieve peak physical fitness and flexibility of the body. They include specific exercise for legs, hips, hands and the torso.

In the second level, the training includes acrobatics, different types of flips and kicks.

Weapon Combat

This is a supplementary program for members interested in the practical use of martial arts. Training in weapons begins at the intermediate level, when there is a better understanding of the mechanics of movement and improved coordination. A weapon becomes an extension of one's body and a further test of one's skill. This supplementary program enhances the understanding of the principles and concepts in martial arts and ultimately develops better execution in all movements. Weapons are taught in form sequences to responsible individuals.

The training with weapons commences with cane weapons; the trainee graduates to using the Short Stick (Cheruvadi), Curved Stick (Ottakkol), Mace (Gada), Dagger (Kattaram). Once the dagger fighting has been mastered, the trainee starts on the most glamorous of combats in kalaripayattu - fighting with the sword and shield. Finally Urumi (six feet length flexible sword) - is taught as the fitting finale to perfection in the art of Kalaripayattu. This is the most dangerous weapon in the Kalari system other than your own body.

Kalari Treatment

Kalari chikitsa or kalari treatment is an integral part of the kalari tradition. It is mainly used to treat sprains, fractures, cuts and similar injuries and was originally used as a form of treatment for the trainee's injuries. Kalari medication, with its own brand of potent oils, unguents and different types of bandages, is also popular among the general public.

The final training of a student includes in identifying the 64 Kula Marmas (deadly spots) in the human body.

CERTIFICATE COURSE

Kalari academy of performing arts offer certificate course in Kalaripayattu, the Traditional Martial Art of India.

This programme is designed to meet the advanced interests of the student of Kalaripayattu studies.

DURATION: The duration of the programme shall be four semesters.

SYLLABUS:

Semester I

(a) Chuvadu: The initial training in kalaripayattu focuses on achieving the skill to adopt certain stances which are broadly classified into two - 'Chuvadu and Vadivu'. Chuvadu is a position of the feet while Vadivu is a position of the posture of the body, keeping the chuvadu as its basis. The combinations of chuvadu and vadivu form the steps followed prior to an offensive or defensive maneuver. Chuvadu training stresses on various kinds of firm positioning of the feet.

(b) Vadivu: In vadivu, importance is given to the posture of the body. The ancient masters codified eight types of vadivus after watching the crouching attack positions of various animals. The eight vadivus are: Varaha - Wild Boar, Gaja - Elephant, Marjara - Cat, Simham - Lion, Sarpam - Snake, Kukkuda - Cock, Mayura - Peacock and Haya - Horse.

(d) Meipayattu: Meipayattu meaning body in practice. It is a series of exercises, in 18 different lessons designed to achieve peak physical fitness and flexibility of the body. They include acrobatics, different types of flips and kicks.

Semester II

(a) Short Stick (Muchan): This wooden weapon is about 1.5 feet long (three span), mainly used for defense. It involves powerful blows and blocks with speed.

(b)Long Stick (Kettukari): This is a form of combat using a long cane stick, as tall as the trainee (5 ½ feet). This combat contains mainly offensive movements.

(c)Dagger (Kattaram): The dagger is a double-edged, sharp weapon made of tempered steel, with a length of about 1 ½ feet. This combat contains thrusts and blocks.

(d) Knife (kathipayattu): A smaller version of Dagger. It is a small handy double edged weapon.

(e) Kaikuthipayattu: Advanced body training to improve ones stamina, power and concentration.

Semester III

(a) CURVED STICK (Ottakol): This is a horn shaped weapon with a knob at one end. The knob is used to attack the vital spots of the nervous system.

(b) SWORD AND SHIELD (Vallum parichayum): The sword is used for offence and the shield is used for defense. The most important and advanced fighting with the sword and the shield is called Puliyangam, the combat being likened to a battle between leopards.

(d) Udaval: This is the training in fight with sword. Attack and defense are done by sword only.

(e) BARE-HANDED COMBAT (Verumkai): These techniques include those that are used to disarm and disable an opponent.

Semester IV

(a) FLEXIBLE SWORD (Urumi): The Urumi is the most dangerous weapon in the Kalari system. It is six feet in length, flexible, and can be worn around the waist.

(b) Kalari Massage (Uzhichil): Uzhichil or a medicated massage is used to make the body supple. It stimulates the nerves and relaxes the muscles.

(c) Marmapoints : The final training of a dedicated student includes training in Ayurveda and identifying the 64 Kula Marmas (deadly spots) in the human body.

General Rules:

The students shall be required to secure a minimum of 70% marks in each course in order to be eligible for promotion to the next semester

A Faculty Certificate is issued on the successful completion of each unit.

Architectural Design of a Traditional Kalari

The art is trained in an enclosure called ‘Kalari’, which is 21 feet by 42 feet. The entrance faces the east. In the south-west corner is a seven-tiered platform called the "poothara", which houses the guardian deity of the kalari. These seven steps symbolise seven abilities each person requires. They include Vigneswa (Strength), Channiga (patience), Vishnu (commanding power), Vadugashcha (the posture), Tadaaguru (training), Kali (the expression) and Vakasta - purushu (sound). Other deities, most of them incarnations of the Bhagavathi or Shiva, are installed in the corners.

Origin and Evolution

Kalaripayattu is perhaps the most ancient martial art in the world. Religions have incorporated Kalaripayattu into their realm. The origin of Kalaripayattu is still in the midst of obscurity. Traditional Kalari masters attribute mythological stories and legends to the origin of the art. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama- the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea.

At the turn of the 6th century A.D., martial arts spread from Southern India to China by Daruma Bodhidarma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. From China, martial arts have spread to Korea & Japan. Kalaripayattu is derived from the words

Kalari - which means "place, threshing floor, or battlefield", and payattu - which means to "exercise in arms or practice".

Martial arts have been in existence on the Indian sub-continent for thousands of years. Long ago, animal fighting styles were imitated by pre-historic man which was a system for survival. The first weapon used was the stick which was an extension of the arm. Various weapons were later invented during the Stone and Iron Ages. Even in Vedas they have mentioned about martial arts. Kalaripayattu is one such martial art, Crafted in ancient South India and draws inspiration from the raw power, majestic strength and instinctive fighting techniques of animals like lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar, crocodile etc.

It is significant that some Kalaripayattu masters trace their lineages of practice to "Dhanur Veda" and claim that the texts in which their martial techniques are recorded derive from Dhanur Vedic texts. Although the Dhanur Veda means the "science of archery," it encompassed all the traditional fighting arts. The explicit concern in Dhanur

Veda texts is not with battlefield strategies, but rather with training in martial techniques.

The Dhanur Veda opens by cataloging the subject, stating that there are five training divisions (for warriors on chariots, elephants, horseback, infantry, or wrestling), and five types of weapons to be learned (those projected by machine [arrows or missiles], those thrown by the hands [spears], those cast by hands yet retained [noose], those permanently held in the hands [sword], and the hands themselves [249:1-5]).

Most of the final Chapters are brief descriptions of postures and techniques for wrestling and the use of a variety of weapons including noose, sword, armors, iron dart, club, battle axe, discus, and the trident. A short passage near the end of the text returns to the larger concerns of warfare and explains the various uses of war elephants and men. The text concludes with a description of how to appropriately send the well-trained fighter off to war.

Kalaripayattu reached its pinnacle of glory during the 100-years-war between the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas in the early part of the first millennium. The warring states refined the fighting skills and techniques prevalent in the area into a martial art form. The art flourished between the 13 and 16 centuries, becoming a part of the education of youngsters. It was a social custom in Kerala to send all youngsters above the age of seven to learn Kalari.

The inherent beauty of this art form lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine. The various movements in Kalari are based on animal movements. Several poses are named after animals. Hence it is generally believed to have developed in the jungles when hunters observed the fighting techniques of various animals.

The death blow to the Kerala military system and Kalaripayattu was dealt by the British. When the Malabar Province was ceded in favor of the British by the treaty of Seringapatam in 1792, there were a series of revolts in Malabar. The revolt led by Pazhassi Raja was well supported by the Nair soldiers and Kurichya tribals of Wayanad.

The British dreaded the widespread Kalari training and objected to the traditional system of carrying arms by the Nairs. Thus the Malabar commissioners found it essential to unarm the entire region to establish tranquility. Major Dow's direction in this regard, is note worthy.

On 20th February 1804, Robert Richards, the Principal Collector of Malabar, wrote to Lord William Bentinck, President and General-in Council, Fort. St. George, asking permission to take action against persons carrying arms, either imposing death penalty or deportation for life. Lord Bentinck issued an order on 22nd April 1804, that those who concealed weapons or disobeyed the orders of the British against carrying arms would be condemned to deportation for life.

At the time of the Pazhassi rebellion, British soldiers raided each and every house of the rebels to confiscate their arms. The same situation repeated in Travancore at the time of the revolt orchestrated by Veluthampi, the Dalawa of Travancore. These developments led to the slow deterioration of Kalaripayattu. Yet, there were a few Kalaripayattu gurus who worked selflessly to keep this tradition of martial art alive for the future generations by training youngsters away from the prying eyes of the British rulers.

Kalari's influence on other arts

Kalaripayattu has strongly influenced the evolution of several of Kerala's theatre and dance forms, most prominently Kathakali and Theyyam. Kathakali practitioners are required to train under Kalari masters to develop various attributes such as fitness, stamina, and martial movements enacted in their performances. Kalari practitioners claim that Bodhi Dharma, a Buddhist monk who was responsible for training the Shaolin monks in kung-fu, was in fact a Kalari master.

Resurgence of Kalaripayattu

Following the collapse of the princely states and the advent of free India - Kalaripayattu had lost its significance as a mortal combat code. Fortunately, Kalaripayattu has successfully survived the steady and sad decline in popularity. Kalaripayattu now has a compelling global audience and its fame and glory has won hearts all over.

In a Phoenix like resurrection, Kalaripayattu is today emerging in a new avatar - an ancient art form - a source of inspiration for self-expression in dance forms - both traditional and contemporary, in theatre, in fitness and in movies too.

TRADITIONAL KALARI TREATMENT

The training of a student to become a master includes the training in Ayurveda and in locating the vital points of the body. A Kalari Guru is not only a trained movement artist but also a professional in Ayurveda, a doctor who treats people of diseases and general ailments. Kalari has developed a traditional orthopedic system which is widely popular all over the states, especially for the setting of displaced bones. There are different types of Oils, pastes, herbs etc are used only by kalari masters to treat muscle and bone injuries.

Kalari Massage

The first stage of the preparation of a warrior and the artiste is based on oil massage known as Udvarthaizam or Uzhichal. The Ayurvedic tradition of Susrutha says that diseases are afraid of approaching a body which has been foot-massaged, just like animals in the sight of a lion.

Kalari massage is a traditional massage, performed by the therapist using his hand and feet, applying appropriate pressure to specific vital parts of the body. It involves a full body massage with medicated oil and stimulating or massaging the Marma points on the body.

Usually an uzhichil course lasts for fourteen days. At the time of this massage the student has to follow strict restrictions in his or her daily routines. He should not expose to the sun for a long time should take only the prescribed food and drinks and should follow strict celibacy.

Massage helps the body to attain a healthy constitution as well as flexibility, nimbleness and suppleness. Moreover, massage enables proper blood circulation and easy maneuverability of the body for turning and twisting. Kalari massage not only relieves back pain, stiffness and sports injuries but also stimulates various bodily organs and systems.

Marma points

Marmas are certain vital points of the body. A marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints and 'where the Prana is present'. There are total 108 Marma points in the body in which 64 are considered as kulamarma (deadly points). These points could be used to heel or to harm. If these points are pierced hard, it could result in trauma or even death. A kalari masseur uses the Marma points to heal.

The mind is considered as the 108th marma. The other marma points are classified for better understanding according to the physical components:

Mamsa Marma – muscle

Sira Marma - vessel