Unniyarcha

Unniyarcha (ഉണ്ണിയാർച്ച, Malayalam pronunciation: [uɳːijäːr̩t͡ʃɐ]) is a legendary warrior and heroine from the 16th century, mentioned in the Vadakkan Pattukal, a set of historical ballads from northern Kerala, a state in southwestern India.

[2] There are so many such instances in Vatakkan Pattukal where the warrior heroes or heroines of the stories would win or lose in some of the famous duels of Kalaripayattu.

Among these instances, the fight between Unniyarcha and several men with an urumi (specially used for Kalarippayattu) to safeguard herself and her husband from a planned attack by some thieves is very popular.

According to historian A. Sreedhara Menon, Unniyarcha mastered the technique of warfare in childhood by undergoing a rigorous course of training in the kalari.

She married Attummanammel Kunhiraman, and a day later, Unniyarcha set out from home to see the Kuthu in Allimalarkavu, the Vilakku in Ayyappankavu and the Velapuram in Anjanakavu (the version in the ballads).

[9] The mappilas soon realised that their opponent was none other than the brave sister of Aromal Chekavar, whom their leader had held in great awe and respect.

Only after the leader made a tendered wholesome apology and offered all kinds of gifts did she calm down and make peace with her adversaries.