Dakshina Bharatha Kalari

Dakshina Bharatha Kalari the oldest traditional ķalari situated at Fort Kochi founded by Late.K Paramu Gurukkal of kadathanad in 1942. It is the one of the few kalaries where both northern and southern styles of kalaripayattu being trained.

History Of Kalari

The institution of Kalari is generally traced to the period immediately after the disintegration of the Perumals of Kodungallur in the first quarter of 12th century AD. It was an integral part of the socio-political system of medieval Kerala.

Politically the land of Kerala was divided into a number of principalities and minor chieftaincies. The alignment and enmities of these power-centres resulted in constant warfare. Small scale skirmishes and large scale fighting were not uncommon among these local and regional authorities. In such a setup, each power centre was forced to maintain a body of fighters at its beck and call. Systematic training and strict rules of discipline for fighters were indispensable for an effective working of the system. It was in such circumstances that the body building and combat training provided by the Kalaris became not only necessary but essential.