With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?

Answer: (d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art of Kerala, taught in training halls called kalaris and still practised in parts of South India. It is not a Bhakti cult, a metalwork style or a dance-drama.

• ✗ (a) It is not a religious cult; it is a fighting system.
• ✗ (b) Bronze and brasswork are crafts; Kalaripayattu is a martial art.
• ✗ (c) The dance-drama tradition of northern Malabar is Theyyam; Kalaripayattu is a martial art.
• ✓ (d) It is an ancient martial art of Kerala and is still a living tradition.

Remember · Kalaripayattu: Kerala's ancient martial art.

Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2014, General Studies paper. UPSC did not publish an answer key for 2014: the answer shown is the one the sources above support. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 24 Oct 2026 (how we verify). · Report an error