Kalari Panicker

[5] In the 12th century towards the end of Perumal era, the present state of Kerala was divided into small autonomous provinces called Nadus and ruled by its own Kings.

[5][full citation needed] These warriors known as Nambi Kurup were helped by the kings to settle in Kerala by granting them land and wealth to maintain and upkeep kalaris.

[6][full citation needed]They used the martial arts mastery of the Nambi Kurup to settle their disputes and hence, existence of kalaris became prevalent.

[9][full citation needed] Following the recommendations of Lord Richards, the British Administration in 1804 abolished the practice of martial arts and using weaponry in Kerala.

[11][full citation needed] More complex forms of marma treatment which give agility, flexibility and suppleness of the body through massage or Uzhichil were performed by the masters.

[11] The Masters of Naalpatheeradi Kalari registered their presence in Kerala and were present at geographical limits between south of Korapuzha and north of Aluva Puzha (Tributary of Periyar river) comprising the South Malabar area, the present Palakkad, Thrissur and some parts of Ernakulam district coming under the Cochin Province.

They used to put sandal paste on the forehead, tighten their lengthy hair to a Kuduma and welcome the mornings with devotional Sanskrit chants.

There was a society-imposed restriction that people of lower castes were not allowed to adorn or carry an umbrella made of palm leaves while on a journey.