A Socio-Economic Study on Kalari Centres in North Kerala

Author(s): Dr. Anna Abraham Pachayil and Sagar

Abstract:

Kalaripayattu is a testament to human resilience and the desire for self-optimization through the teaching that the greatest victory is the mastery over one’s own self. Human resilience and self-optimization have deep economic implications. Both play significant role in aiding human beings in allocating resources efficiently through upgrading human agility. Now, Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala, stands at a crossroads. Despite its global popularity, practitioners struggle with the lack of a sustainable economic model for its viability, the major challenge being its economic invisibility. The present discussion attempts to see the art form through an economic lens and tries to bring forth the failure of ensuring economic viability and social incorporation for Kalaripayattu despite its cultural worth. The study finds that the economic sustainability of the art form remains indeterminant on account of irregular income and fluctuating and uncertain operational costs. The discussion tries to bring into attention, the measures suggested by the respondents to preserve the heritage and pride of the art form along with the upgradation of the same as a means of economic empowerment.

keywords:
Kalaripayattu, Martial art, Gender role, Social empowerment, Social capital.

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