Ankam and Poithu: Kalaripayattu's Judicial Duels
Published on: 09/09/2026
Ankam and poithu were Kerala's judicial duels — formalised Kalaripayattu combat that settled disputes for 800 years. Chekavar warriors trained 12 years.
Kalari University
Vadakkan Pattukal: The Ballads That Kept Kalaripayattu Alive
Published on: 02/09/2026
Vadakkan Pattukal — the Malayalam ballads of North Malabar — preserved Kalaripayattu's heroes, ethics and techniques through the British ban. A practitioner's guide.
Kalari University
Unniyarcha: The Kalaripayattu Woman Warrior of Kerala
Published on: 26/08/2026
Unniyarcha — the 16th-century Kalaripayattu woman warrior of the Vadakkan Pattukal ballads. Her story, her family, her weapons, and why she still matters.
Kalari University
Kottakkal Kanaran Gurukkal: Master of Northern Kalari
Published on: 19/08/2026
Kottakkal Kanaran Gurukkal (1850–1935) was called the Dronacharya of Kalaripayattu. The majority of modern Northern-style kalaris trace their lineage to him — here's why that matters.
Kalari University