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Meenakshi Raghavan: An Extraordinary Legacy in Kalaripayattu

Meenakshi Raghavan, an 82-year-old martial arts practitioner, is gaining recognition for being potentially the oldest woman globally to both teach and engage in Kalaripayattu, an ancient form of martial arts from India. Despite her age, she remains fiercely dedicated to her practice, asserting, “I’ll probably practice Kalari until the day I die.”

Kalaripayattu, with roots tracing back over 3,000 years, originates from Kerala, in southern India. Known as the oldest martial art in the country, its name reflects its essence: “kalari” signifies battleground, while “payattu” translates to fight. This art form goes beyond mere combat skills, serving to cultivate discipline, enhance physical fitness, and develop self-defense capabilities.

In her hometown of Vadakara, Kerala, she is affectionately referred to as Meenakshi Amma—”Amma” meaning mother in Malayalam. Vadakara has produced notable practitioners of Kalaripayattu, including historical figures like Unniyarcha and Thacholi Othenan.

Meenakshi Amma primarily manages her own Kalari school, established in 1950 by her husband. Her teaching schedule is rigorous, consisting of classes every day from five in the morning until noon. “I teach about 50 students daily. My four children also learned this art from us starting at the age of six,” she shares, highlighting the dedication to preserving this martial heritage.

Kalaripayattu is structured in four progressive stages, each requiring time and perseverance. The journey begins with meypattu, which includes therapeutic oil massages and physical conditioning exercises. Following approximately two years of initial training, students advance to kolthari (stick fighting), angathari (weapons combat), and ultimately verumkai, the pinnacle of training that focuses on unarmed techniques. Mastery of Kalaripayattu can take up to five years.

Interestingly, elements of Kalaripayattu have left a mark on other martial arts, with some experts suggesting that kung fu borrowed techniques such as breathing exercises and marmashastra—the art of stimulating essential energy points. It is said that Bodhidharma, an Indian monk in the 6th Century, introduced these methods to the Shaolin monks, influencing the development of Chinese martial arts.

Meenakshi Amma fondly reminisces about her initiation into Kalaripayattu as a child. “I was seven and had a talent for dancing. My guru, VP Raghavan, approached my father, suggesting I learn Kalaripayattu, as it shares the need for flexibility with dance,” she recalls. Coming from Kerala’s Thiyya community, her guru established a Kalaripayattu school with his brothers when they faced barriers to education due to their caste status.

Reflecting on her early experiences, Meenakshi Amma mentions, “There was no bias concerning girls studying Kalari; physical education was mandatory in Kerala schools back then. However, once girls reached puberty, they were often expected to stop.” In her case, her father supported her ongoing involvement in the martial art even during her late teens. She married Raghavan at 17, and together they dedicated their lives to teaching Kalaripayattu, often offering lessons for free to children from underprivileged backgrounds.

Financial support for the school came mainly through donations, with Raghavan later taking on an additional teaching position to supplement their income. After his death in 2007, Meenakshi Amma took full control of the school and continues to thrive as its guiding force.

While she has no immediate plans for retirement, there are hopes that her eldest son, Sanjeev, will eventually succeed her. Now 62 and an instructor at the school, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Meenakshi Amma, though he admits her high standards make her a challenging mentor.

As a celebrated figure in her community, Meenakshi Amma has garnered admiration and respect from her students and peers alike. During a recent interview, several local politicians visited, requesting her presence at an upcoming awards ceremony. To their invitation, she graciously responded, “Thank you for considering me, I’ll attend.”

Her students hold her in high esteem, with many having opened their own Kalari schools throughout Kerala. Former student KF Thomas remarks on her dual role as a nurturing mentor and a strict disciplinarian, stating, “She’s an inspiration to women everywhere.” Meenakshi Amma’s enduring commitment to the art and her dedicated approach to teaching continue to make a lasting impact on the culture of Kalaripayattu.

Source
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