With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?
Answer & explanation
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.
Sources
- Kerala Tourism: Kalaripayattu ↗ · reference work “Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art indigenous to Kerala, a small state in the southern tip of India”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2014, General Studies Paper I. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 24 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·
