Kerala Martial Dances
|| Kerala Dances || Kerala Classical Dances || Kerala Folk Dances || Kerala Martial Dances || Other Performing Arts of Kerala ||
Kerala, the south Indian state has rich tradition of martial arts which is believed to be 3000 years old. The martial arts are still considered as a tradition of pride and young generation also practice these arts as a tradition. The martial performing arts of Kerala are :
Kalaripayattu :
Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest existing martial arts of the world is practiced in Kerala. In several parts of Kerala and neighboring states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka this art form has been practiced. Legend says that Sage Parasurama was the master of this martial art forms and some traces it origin to the Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master, Bodhi Dharma.
The northern style of Kalaripayattu of the Malayalees is different from the southern style of the Tamils. The northern style is composition of hard techniques and the southern style is composition of soft techniques.
Velakali :
Velakali is a martial dance performed by men in some southern temples of Kerala. The dancers wear traditional clothes and colorful headdress which resembles the medieval Nair soldieries head gear. They show vigorous movements of sword play. An orchestra accompanies them.
This martial dance was originated in Ambalappuzha. Mathoor Panicker, chief of the Chempakasserri army upgraded this martial art to increase the martial spirit of the people. This dance is performed regularly at the annual festivities of the Sree Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha district.
Parichamuttukali :
Parichamuttukali is one of the famous martial dance forms of kerala. The performers dance showing movements with sword and defending with shields. Songs and drum beat accompany the dance. Thiyyas perform this dance in Malabar area and in the Travancore area Christians perform this dance.
