Context:
Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has accused the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) of downgrading the Kalaripayattu to the demonstration section of the event.
Kalaripayattu:
- One of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world
- State – Kerala.
- Believed to be established by the warrior sage Parasurama
- Later introduced to China by the South Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma
- Emphasizes mind-body coordination with techniques inspired by the attack and defense systems of 8 animals – Elephant, lion, boar, horse, snake, rooster, cat, and fish.
- Stages of Training –
- Maippayattu: Body conditioning to prepare for combat.
- Kolthari: Training with wooden weapons like short and long sticks.
- Angathari: Introduction to sharp metal weapons after overcoming fear.
- Verumkai: Bare-hand fighting focusing on anatomy for strategic strikes.
Other martial arts of India:
| Martial Art | State |
| Silambam | Tamil Nadu |
| Thang Ta | Manipur |
| Thoda | Himachal Pradesh |
| Gatka | Punjab |
| Mardani Khel | Maharashtra |
| Lathi Khela | West Bengal |
| Musti Yuddha | Uttar Pradesh |
| Pari-Khanda | Bihar |
| Mallakhamb | Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh |
| Varma Kalai | Tamil Nadu |
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
Answer: (d)
