The sport originated in Kottayam in early 1900s and is also played in villages in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha.
Nādan panthu kali (native ball game) originated in Kottayam in early 1900s.
[1] Over the years, the sport was played during summer vacation on school grounds, churches, and post-harvest paddy fields at rural areas, such as Puthuppally, Vakathanam, Anchery, Meenadam, Pathamuttom, Pampady, Manarcaud and adjoining areas.
Scoring points follow the sequence like otta, petta, pidiyan, thalm, keezhu, indan and then it repeats.
[1] Revival attempts began in 2012 with the formation of the All-Kerala Native Ball Federation.