26-04-2025
Foundation aims to revive Tulu Nadu Kalari
Mangaluru: The
Tulu World Foundation
, an organisation dedicated to promoting the Tulu language and culture, aims to resurrect
Tulu Nadu Kalari
, a traditional martial art form that shares historical connections with Kerala's
kalari payattu
. The Foundation has initiated discussions to discover and document information about Tulu Nadu Kalari, particularly during a period when awareness about this martial art form and its links to Karnataka's coastal regions remains limited among the general population.
Rajesh Alva, founder of the Tulu World Foundation, said that Kalari Payattu, renowned as one of the world's oldest martial arts, shares a strong bond with Tulu Nadu.
In Kerala, it is also referred to as 'Tulu Nadu Kalari.' "Historical evidence shows that many kings and military leaders once travelled to Tulu Nadu to learn Kalari Payattu," Alva said.
Koti and Chennaya, the twin warriors of Tulu Nadu, worked hard to preserve this art through their training centres, he said. "There are records of their teacher, Nanayya, receiving villages as grants from the kings of Kerala. Similarly, the bravery of the twin heroes Mudda Kalaler and Kanada Katader has its roots in kalari. In kalari payattu, 64 out of 108 vital points are significant. It not only provides physical and mental health but also includes combat strategies, blindfold techniques, and guerrilla tactics. The presiding deities of this art are referred to as Tuluveshwari, Khadgeshwari, Kalari Jumadi, Mankali, Deyi, and others," he said.
Stating that this knowledge has diminished in Tulu Nadu, he said that only folk traditions remain, with no prominence given to martial arts. "It is our duty to revive this sacred knowledge. It will not only provide physical and mental strength to the younger generation but also offer employment opportunities. With the aim of reviving this, we organised a seminar and discussion forum on the topic of Kalari and Tulu Nadu. It will be held on May 24 at the Degree College of Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Kateel," he said, adding that experts and scholars from Kerala and coastal districts, who conducted studies on the martial arts, will take part in the seminar.
