She wields a kalarippayattu sword, clad in a six-yard saree
Octogenarian Meenakshi Amma wields a shield and a sword with ease, practising Kerala’s traditional martial art wearing a saree. Defying age and stereotypes, she inspires youth, especially women, to take up the art, as it instils courage and strength.
When a young Meenakshi was captivated by a performance, her progressive father enrolled the five-year-old in kalarippayattu class. Since then it’s been a journey of busting gender stereotypes and being an inspirational kalarippayattu icon. She talks about her journey – in her own words.
I’m a living testament that women can master the timeless beauty and strength of kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form of Kerala.
I was enthralled by kalaripayattu when my father took me to a kalari performance. Little did I know that watching the performance would shape my destiny.
My father’s determination to impart this knowledge to his daughters, long before our country gained Independence, set the stage for my lifelong commitment to kalaripayattu.
My kalaripayattu journey began at the tender age of five, at Kadathanadan Kalari Sangham, guided by VV Raghavan, my mentor and the founder of the school.
It was a surprise to many that Raghavan, ever the tough taskmaster, was impressed by my nimble footwork and dedication.
When I was 17, Raghavan proposed to me, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership. We went on to have two sons and two daughters, all of whom started practising kalaripayattu from the age of six.
Alongside my husband, I started teaching kalaripayattu. I became the lead trainer after Raghavan’s passing in 2009.
Today, at 81, I am a practitioner and teacher, running classes for enthusiastic disciples.
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My school welcomes around 200 students every year.
I do not charge any fee from my students, emphasising the traditional concept of gurudakshina – a voluntary offering from students based on their capabilities, a practice reminiscent of the guru-shishya tradition.
The school sustains itself through our students’ voluntary donations.
It’s not merely about physical fitness but the embodiment of values and discipline that kalaripayattu instils in those who practise the art. My agility, fitness and martial art prowess have garnered global admiration. Yet I’m able to remain grounded because of practising kalarippayattu.
I attribute my endurance to kalarippayattu, and women tell me that I inspire them.
During my school days, only around 10 girls learned kalaripayattu. Now, women of all ages join. It’s crucial for women to learn the art and defend themselves.
Deeply rooted in history, kalarippayattu finds mention in the Tamil Sangam literature as it was initially taught to warriors as a combat form. In Kerala, the art form had its origin in the 13th century.
Over the centuries, this martial art form faced a decline but was later revived, with me standing as a living bridge to its illustrious past. Maybe it is one of the reasons people compare me to Unniyarcha, the legendary warrior celebrated in North Kerala’s ballads.
Being honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2017 deepened my commitment to the art.
My kalarippayattu journey is about dedication, breaking barriers and preserving a cultural heritage.
I’m happy to prove that age and attire are no impediments to the pursuit of a martial art.
Reporting and photography by Apta Ramesh, a freelance journalist and former TV show producer.