The Hindu : Kerala News : A martial art struggles to survive

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Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008
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Kerala

Kerala

A martial art struggles to survive

A. Harikumar

KASARAGOD: The ancient martial art of Thalim, famed as Thulunadan Kalari in folk songs and admired by Kalari masters, is slowly disappearing into the pages of history due to lack of support.

Thalim, which combines martial arts and gymnastics, is a comprehensive sport special to ‘Thulunad,’ which includes parts of Kasaragod and South Karnataka.

Thalim also has a branch dealing with sports injuries and treatment, says Kunhikrishnan a kalari master at the Sri Rama Anjaneya Vyayamasala, Pulikkunnu, founded by Pakkeeran Gurukkal — a Thalim exponent of yore.

The young generation does not have the patience to work hard for years to master the art, notes Mr. Kunhikrishnan.

Moreover, the expenses involved in teaching and sustaining the martial art is also a problem, he says.

This martial art still exists because of a committed few, says Gangadhara, son of Pakkeeran Gurukkal, who is the sustaining force behind the Sri Rama Anjaneya Vyayamasala.

The cost of maintaining the weapons and other equipment used in Thalim is very high, he says.

The only income for Thalim experts is the meagre sums they get for staging exhibitions during temple festivals here. But as the martial art is little known outside Kasaragod, Thalim exponents get little opportunity to exhibit their skills.

Going by mythology, Lord Hanuman is the first Thalim, says Gangadhara. It makes use of sticks, daggers, and a host of indigenous weapons .

Many dangerous numbers are not exhibited today, says Kamalakshaan, a Thalim exponent. Mr. Gangadhara said his family members and relatives still practice the martial art out of sheer love for it. The government should take steps to popularise it , he says.

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