Kalarippayattu (kalarippayat), the revered physical,
cultural and traditional martial art form of Kerala
is believed to have originated in the early 4th century.

The legend has it that Lord Parasurama instituted this
tradition in this land after reclaiming it from the sea. The
name 'Kalari' has been derived from the Sanskrit word
'Khaloorika',meaning the place where the art of wielding
weapons and physic is imparted. 'Kalari' in common
parlance means a gymnasium and 'payat' means
the practice of wielding weapons and physic
in a Kalari. It is the oldest form of Martial arts.