The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has officially recognized the Kalarippayattu Federation of India as the Regional Sports Federation to promote Kalarippayattu in the country.
About Kalarippayattu:
- Known as the Mother of Martial Arts, Kalarippayattu is a traditional martial art from Kerala, performed by both males and females. It includes armed (swords, daggers, spears, maces, and bows and arrows) and unarmed styles, along with physical exercises.
- Dating back to the 3rd century BC, it is one of India’s oldest martial arts and is mentioned in Dhanurveda, an ancient scripture on military science from 1500 BC.
- The term Kalarippayattu originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Khalurika’, which means ‘battlefield’, ‘threshing floor’, or ‘military training ground’.
- Unique for its focus solely on the fighting style without involving drumming or singing, it features two main styles:
- Vadakkan/Northern style: Predominantly practiced in Kerala’s Malabar region, known for its elegant and flexible movements, evasions, jumps, and weapons training.
- Thekken/Southern Style: Predominantly practiced in Kerala’s Travancore region, specializes in hard, impact-based techniques with a priority on hand-to-hand combat.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Kalarippayattu and why is it significant in India?
Kalarippayattu is a traditional martial art from Kerala, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is known as the Mother of Martial Arts and focuses on both armed and unarmed combat styles, making it one of India’s oldest martial arts.
How is the Kalarippayattu Federation of India recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports?
The Kalarippayattu Federation of India has been officially recognized as the Regional Sports Federation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. This recognition aims to promote and support the practice and development of Kalarippayattu in the country.
Can you explain the origin of the term “Kalarippayattu”?
The term “Kalarippayattu” originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Khalurika’, which can be translated to mean ‘battlefield’, ‘threshing floor’, or ‘military training ground’. This reflects the martial nature of the art form and its historical roots in military training.
What are the main styles of Kalarippayattu?
Kalarippayattu features two main styles: Vadakkan/Northern style and Thekkan/Southern style. The Vadakkan/Northern style is predominantly practiced in Kerala’s Malabar region and is known for its elegant and flexible movements, evasions, and jumping techniques.
How does Kalarippayattu differ from other martial arts?
Kalarippayattu is unique for its exclusive focus on fighting techniques, without the accompaniment of drumming or singing that is present in many other martial arts styles. It combines armed and unarmed combat techniques, emphasizing both physical exercises and strategic maneuvers for self-defense.