Kalariworld was launched with the sole aim of promoting the real traditional styles of
Kalarippayattu by providing information on the traditional methods of kalari training in general and specifically the Southern style Kalarippayattu. At the same time we cannot ignore the fact that Bharathavarsha - The great Indian subcontinent was the divine land where human civilization attained its highest glory when the rest of the world was in darkness. Just like any other branch of art and science, the martial traditions were most perfect in Bharathavarsha. Asoka's Kalinga invasion, his later devotion to Buddhism, sticking to the Dharma yuddha concept of the epic era and perverted interpretations of "Ahimsa or Non violence" - all these together caused the downfall of the Hindu society, leaving the borders of Bharathavarsha open to the invading barbarians from central Asia. About 750 years of Muslim occupation followed by the British colonial rule almost destroyed the cultural heritage of this great country. Many of the martial traditions that once flourished in various corners of this great land have become extinct or become so isolated from the main stream of physical culture that even Indians do not know much about these martial arts. Here we dedicate ourselves to present some of the martial traditions of Bharathavarsha.
This is not an attempt to provide every possible detail of every martial art, but to give glimpses of a few of them so that the viewers of this site will be inspired to study the Indian martial culture.

Vajramushti
Vajrmushti is the no holds barred version of Indian wrestling. In fact it is more than that. Vajramushti can be considered as a unique martial art. It is a combination grappling and striking techniques fused into one system. Then the use of knuckle duster makes this style still more unique. The fighters use knuckle dusters made of animal horns to strike at each other. The weapon is held in the right hand . Along with the striking and kicking, wrestling holds are used. The opponent is defeated when his hand, holding the knuckle duster is immobilized. Detailed description of
Vajramushti will be give at a later stage.

Bandesh
Bandesh is a collection or martial techniques for locking limbs and holding down an adversary and forcing him to submission. The six stages are Pavithra (footwork),
Rokh (blocking), Lapet (Twisting), Fekan (Throw), Cheen (Snatching), Bandesh (Lock hold). Law enforcing authorities specialized in this system as it helped them to control persons with minimum injury. Lock holds are practiced for different kinds of weapons like swords, daggers, long staff and soon.
Mukki boxing
An ancient form of bare knuckle boxing practiced in Banares, North India. The muki means fist and this type of boxing is practiced in Banares as part of religious celebrations. Mukki players divide themselves in to two groups and fights begin between two persons, usually the younger ones. As the competition develops, older ones start to fight in pairs and soon the fight turns into a free for all fight between the two groups. The fight continues till one of the groups is driven back. Many competitors become injured, some seriously. The players harden their fists by striking against hard objects like stony surfaces. Breaking coconut and bricks are used to test the conditioning of the fists.
Fari Gadka
In ancient days Fari Gadka was used as a preparatory training to sword fighting. A cane stick called Gadka is used as a sword and a small leather shield Fari is used instead of the usual large metal shield. For adults the Gadka is 3'2" long Fari is 9" in diameter, made of durable leather and weigh about 1lbs. This is practiced in a 20' square arena.

Indian wrestling or Kushti
Much has been published about the art of Indian wrestling that only some of the salient features are provided here. Origin of the Indian wrestling can be traced back to the Vedic and epic eras. Detailed descriptions of bouts, training methods and stories of great wrestlers are available in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Generally the Indian wrestling can be divided into two categories. The malla krid a and the mallayuddha.
Malla krida is the sports version while mallayuddha is the real lethal one. Again according to the techniques and methodology used, the wrestling is of four types. Bhimaseni, Hanumanthee, Jambuvanthee, and Jarasandhee.
Bhimaseni wrestling stresses on the acquiring of strength and its use. Most suitable for persons of huge build and strength
Hanumanthee type concentrates on the technical superiority of the wrestler and here superior skill will help one to beat an opponent of greater strength.
Jambuvanthee wrestling uses locks and holds to force the opponent into submission.
Jarasandhee is the most lethal form among the above as it concentrates in breaking of the limbs and joints.
Off the above four variants only the Bhimaseni is now widely practiced.

Lathee fight.
Lathee is a long staff measuring about 5 to 5.5 feet in length. the weight is about 2lbs and the diameter is about one inch. The arena is 40' in diameter. Usually the lathees are made by cutting suitable lengths of bamboo or cane and covering the same with thick leather. The forearms of the practitioners are protected using leather covers about nine inches long with cotton lining inside. Blows to the groin nose and eyes are prohibited.
The lathi is an integral part of cops’ functioning.

Vita
Vedic texts describes three general categories of weapons. Mukta , Amukta and
Muktamukta. Mukta means weapons that are released either by hand or from machines like catapult or bow. Amukta means weapons held in hands while
Muktamukta means weapons that cane be thrown and retrieved and if necessary used hand held. Vita is a Muktamukta weapon. It is a lance about five feet long with a strong sting of five to six feet in length is fastened at the bottom of the handle. The weapon is hurled from a distance, retrieved and reused. There are no documents regarding the origin of this weapon available at present.