Kalari Panicker

The Kalari Panicker/Kurup community is a Hindu ethnic group from Malabar in North Kerala and central parts of Kerala. They are renowned for their role in propagating Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art form. The titles "Kurup" and "Panicker" are sometimes used by other communities but belong distinctly to this group.

Historically, the community's kalaris were established during the reigns of Kulasekharas and later kings who brought warriors from Tulu Nadu to settle disputes. These warriors, known as Nambi Kurup, were granted land and wealth to maintain kalaris. The Kalari Panicker/Kurup are descendants of these warriors.

Traditionally, they taught Kalaripayattu to the Ezhava community. After British restrictions in 1804, their kalaris transformed into temples or they turned to astrology. They were skilled in marma treatment and ayurvedic medicine, offering both martial arts training and traditional healing.

The Kalari structure typically featured idols of deities and forefathers near the southwest corner of homes. Their attire, similar to Nairs, included mundu and randam mundu, with restrictions on lower castes using certain umbrellas. They are classified under the Other Backward Class by the Kerala government.