Kalaripayattu
- The Orient's treasure trove, a gift to the modern world
and the mother of all martial arts. 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. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient South India.
Kung- fu, popularized by the monks of the Shoaling Temple
traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma - an Indian Buddhist monk
and Kalaripayattu master.
Crafted in ancient South India drawing inspiration from the
raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms
- Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, Snake, and Crocodile ........
Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of the Cholas, the
Cheras and the Pandyas. Shrouded in deep mystery and mists
of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total
isolation, away from prying eyes.
Following the collapse of the princely states and the advent
of free India - Kalaripayattu has lost its significance as
a mortal combat code. 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. |
