We, humans, have an age-old thing to forget the blessing that life is. We get so engrossed in our day-to-day lives that we forget what we are truly capable of and what we can achieve if we truly focus. Although there are many people who refuse to be tied down with limitations like age, gender, caste and financial status, there is one such lady who has surpassed all limits of a stereotypical woman. Meet Meenakshi Amma, an 80-year old grandmother keeping Indian martial arts alive AKA Kalaripayattu, in the heart of Kerala.

What is Kalaripayattu?

Kalaripayattu is an indigenous form of martial art fighting that includes hand-to-hand combat, sword & shield fighting and usage of wooden sticks as weapons. The Kalari massage is also an important facet of Kalaripayattu. It is India’s oldest form of fighting that originated in modern-day Kerala. Apart from being a form of fighting, Kalaripayattu is also a lifestyle that can be practised by spiritual seekers, fitness enthusiasts, yogis and more.

Kalaripayattu: Etymology

The word Kalaripayattu is a combination of two separate Malayalam words, ‘Kalari’ and ‘Payattu’. Kalari means ‘training ground’ whereas Payattu means ‘combat’. In English, the word roughly translates to “practice in the arts of the battlefield.”

Kalaripayattu is also called ‘Kalari’ or ‘Kalari Payat.’

Legend, History & Importance of Kalaripayattu

Legend & History:

According to legends, Parshurama, the 6th Avatar of Lord Vishnu, learnt this art form from Lord Shiva. Parshurama then went on to teach this knowledge to the original settlers of Kerala. He formed 108 Kalaris (training grounds) across Kerala and instructed 21 gurus with this ancient fighting art.

Across the pages of history, Kalaripayattu’s origin can be traced back to the mountain-dwelling populace in South India (ancient Kerala region) who crafted these defence skills to protect their territory from enemies. These skills kept evolving until they became what it is today, one of the noblest fighting art forms. Another source of History connects the roots of Shaolin Kung Fu with the 3rd stage of Kalaripayattu, Verumkai (empty hands).

Importance of Kalaripayattu in Modern Everyday Life:

It would be wrong to assume that Kalaripayattu is just a fighting form and only a warrior spirit can pursue this art. A common person can too gain numerous benefits from it, like so:

• Boosts physical flexibility;
• Improved your strength;
• Cuts down laziness & increases patience;
• Helps girls & women gain confidence to go anywhere at any time;
• Helps in connecting you with your inner self for enhanced tranquillity;
• A holistic approach to make you lead a healthy lifestyle;

Many great practitioners of Kalaripayattu swear by the benefits brought on by regular practice. These include Kottakkal Kanaran Gurukkal, C.V.N Nair, C.T.S Nair & Meenakshi Amma, the great grandmother in Kerala.

Also Read: Do you lead a healthy lifestyle? Can you take on the Girnar challenge?

Meenakshi Amma: The Great Dame of Kalaripayattu

“Kalaripayattu is an absolute art form that tests the extremes of the body, mind, soul complex. Over time, its moves have become intuitive to me like breathing. Understandable, since I have been practising Kalaripayattu from the age of five,”

~ Meenakshi Amma

Embed VIdeo: https://youtu.be/cUv56BoxTTM 

Meenakshi Amma, aged 80, is a veteran practitioner of Kalaripayattu and a recipient of the 2017 Padma Shri Award, India’s 4th highest civilian award. Additionally, she is a teacher who spends her time teaching students the art of Kalaripayattu at Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam. 

What is Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam?

Nestled amongst the rolling tea estates and mountains of Vatakara, Kerala, if you ever wish to learn Kalaripayattu, then Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam AKA The Kalari would be the perfect place to start. It’s a training school where Meenakshi Amma and her team of most dedicated disciples teach and train students (both local, national and international) from across the planet.

How does Meenakshi Amma manage this prestigious school?

Meenakshi Amma, the great grandmother in Kerala, began practising Kalaripayattu from the age of 7, under the guidance of V.P Raghavan Master, one of the founders of Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam and later, her husband. After her husband/mentor’s death in 2007, Meenakshi Amma took over the reins of the training school and has since been managing it with the help of her most dedicated team in Vatakara. 

“Gender and community are totally irrelevant for Kalaripayattu. What matters is age. The earlier you start, the more proficient you are,”

~ Meenakshi Amma, Matriarch of ‘The Kalari’

Some facts about the training school:

• Every year, Meenakshi Amma takes in 150 students during the monsoon season (June to September) and trains them in the art of Kalaripayattu;

• At the Kalari, students do not have to pay fees for the classes;

• Only ‘dakshina’ and some expenses accept the coverage of cost the Kalari massage uses.

• Only approach this discipline if you are sincere in your intentions. Kalaripayattu requires the highest levels of dedication, willpower and intention.

Check out their official website at www.kadathanadankalari.in

So, we hope you enjoyed our bit on the legendary matriarch, Meenakshi Amma, an 80-year old grandmother keeping Indian martial arts alive. Moreover, If you’re interested in learning one of the oldest forms of Indian martial arts, then Kalaripayattu is the one to stick with. It encompasses all the modern forms of fighting, including karate, judo, kung fu, spear fighting, sword & shield fighting, yogic exercises and more.

Which ancient fighting art interests you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments down below!

Also follow India Chalk on Instagram for more amazing travel content. You can share your travel story with us. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]ndiachalk[dot]com. This blog is curated by India Chalk and written by Aishwarya D.