Question of the Day – KALARIPAYATTU
QOTD March 13,2026
Q1. With reference to the traditional martial art Kalaripayattu, consider the following statements:
- It originated in the present-day state of Kerala.
- Training traditionally takes place in a specially designed arena known as a Kalari.
- It primarily focuses on unarmed combat and does not involve the use of weapons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1-Correct
Kalaripayattu is considered one of the oldest martial arts in the world and originated in Kerala in southern India.
Statement 2-Correct
Training traditionally takes place in a Kalari, a specially designed training arena where students learn physical exercises, combat techniques, and discipline.
Statement 3-Incorrect
Kalaripayattu includes both armed and unarmed combat, using weapons such as swords, shields, spears, and the flexible sword Urumi.
Why in news–
The traditional Indian martial art Kalaripayattu was in news in January 2025 because it was excluded from the competitive category of the 38th National Games and placed as a demonstration sport, which sparked debate and protests, especially from the state of Kerala. At the same time, the Kerala government announced that Kalaripayattu would be introduced as a competitive event in the state school sports festival, highlighting efforts to promote the ancient martial art.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1. Consider the following statements regarding Kalaripayattu:
- It combines physical training, weapon-based combat, and healing practices.
- The training system includes body-conditioning exercises known as Meypayattu.
- It developed during the medieval period as a martial tradition of the Deccan Sultanates.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Statement 1-Correct
Kalaripayattu integrates combat training, weapon techniques, physical conditioning, and traditional medicine (Kalari Chikitsa).
Statement 2-Correct
Meypayattu refers to body-conditioning and movement exercises forming the foundation of training.
Statement 3-Incorrect
Kalaripayattu predates the Deccan Sultanates and is rooted in ancient martial traditions of Kerala.
PQ2. With reference to Kalaripayattu traditions, consider the following statements:
- Vadakkan and Thekkan are two regional styles associated with Kalaripayattu.
- The flexible sword Urumi is one of the weapons used in this martial art.
- It is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1-Correct
Kalaripayattu has regional traditions such as Vadakkan (Northern style) and Thekkan (Southern style).
Statement 2-Correct
Urumi, a flexible whip-like sword, is a distinctive weapon used in advanced stages of training.
Statement 3-Incorrect
Kalaripayattu is culturally significant but not officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
PQ3.Consider the following statements about traditional Indian martial arts:
- Kalaripayattu is associated with Kerala.
- Thang-Ta originates from Manipur.
- Silambam is traditionally associated with Tamil Nadu.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
Statement 1-Correct
Kalaripayattu originated in Kerala.
Statement 2-Correct
Thang-Ta is a traditional martial art of Manipur.
Statement 3-Correct
Silambam is a staff-based martial art from Tamil Nadu.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Traditional martial art — State of origin
- Kalaripayattu — Kerala
- Silambam — Tamil Nadu
- Thang-Ta — Manipur
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Pair 1-Correct
Kalaripayattu originated in the state of Kerala and is one of the oldest traditional martial arts of India.
Pair 2-Correct
Silambam is a staff-based martial art that originated in Tamil Nadu and uses a bamboo stick as the primary weapon.
Pair 3-Correct
Thang-Ta is a traditional sword-and-spear martial art from Manipur practiced by the Meitei community.