Q: With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?
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 brass work 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
The correct answer is option 4.
Kalaripayattu
⦁ It is a martial art.
⦁ It originated in Kerala from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD.
⦁ The place where this martial art is practised is called a ‘Kalari’.
⦁ It is considered to be among the oldest martial arts still in existence. Hence, option 4 is correct.
⦁ It is practised in Kerala, in contiguous parts of Tamil Nadu and among Malyali community of Malaysia.
⦁ It includes kicks, grappling preset forms, weaponry and healing methods.
⦁ Practitioners of Kalaripayattu also possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga.
⦁ Unlike other parts of India, warriors in Kerala belonged to all castes. Women in Keralite society also underwent training in Kalaripayattu, and still do so to this day.
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