About Us
The practice of Kalaripayattu claims many origins. Some trace it back to the Dhanur Veda (meaning “art/science of archery”) of Vedic times. The Dhanur Veda, is a compendium and a manual of traditional fighting arts.
Others trace the first references of Kalaripayattu to the era of Sangam literature between 300 BC and 300 AD.
Indigenous to the South Indian state of Kerala, legend also has it, that the martial art was created by the warrior saint Parashurama, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Legend goes that Parashurama established forty-two kalaris (schools) and taught twenty-one masters of these kalaris to protect the narrow strip of land called Kerala that he reclaimed from the ocean.
An evolutionary view suggests that animal fighting styles were imitated by pre-historic man as a system for survival. The various movements in Kalari are based on animal movements. In fact, several poses are named after animals. The first weapon to be used was the stick, which was seen as an extension of the arm.
Kalaripayattu evolved greatly during the 9th century and was practiced by the warrior clans of Kerala to defend their state and the king. Kalaripayattu reached its pinnacle of glory during the 100-years-war between the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas around the 11th and 12th century CE. Kalaripayattu was officially recognised as a martial art of Kerala in 1362 AD.
E.P. Vasudeva Gurukkal
Mandapa Kalari is a traditional Kalaripayattu school established under the patronage of Ms Chandralekha, a revered choreographer and founder of Spaces, a famous landmark in Chennai for Arts & Culture. The school was inaugurated by renowned Shri E.P. Vasudeva Gurukkal of CVN Kalari, Kaduthuruthy, Kerala in the year 2007.
Since its inception, the school has conducted regular classes. Kalaripayattu students at Mandapa Kalari range between the age of 8 and 70.
M.G. Roy George
Roy spent his early teaching years focusing on introducing Kalaripayattu in its traditional form. Later, he included Yoga and Panchakarma treatment to provide a holistic learning of the art.
Roy teaches the Northern Style (Arappukai) tradition of Kalaripayattu.
Mr.Roy George is a graduate from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala
