Kerala: 82 YO 'Sword Granny' Is Keeping India’s Oldest Martial Art Alive

Meenakshi Raghavan, 82, is keeping Kalaripayattu, India’s oldest martial art, alive, single-handedly training students at Kerala’s Kadathanad Kalari Sangham. Known as ‘Sword Granny,’ she has been practising for 75 years and remains committed to training students, especially young women, in self-defence.

Meet Meenakshi Raghavan, 82-Year-Old Woman Saving India’s Oldest Martial Art

At her martial arts school, Raghavan conducts daily classes, guiding students through the techniques of Kalaripayattu. The sessions begin with prayers and warm-up exercises, followed by training in various movements and sword fighting. The training hall’s floor is covered with red dust mixed with medicinal herbs, a traditional practice in Kalaripayattu schools. Despite her age, Raghavan continues to demonstrate the moves herself. She has also built a team of instructors who assist in teaching, but she remains actively involved in training students of all age groups.

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Raghavan began learning Kalaripayattu at the age of seven under her father’s guidance. She later trained at Kadathanad Kalari Sangham, where she met her husband, Raghavan Gurukkal, who founded the school in 1949. After his death, she took charge and has since expanded the school’s reach.

The school currently trains over 200 students, a majority of them being young girls. Raghavan does not charge students for training, ensuring that anyone willing to learn self-defence can join. She believes martial arts is crucial for young women, given the risks they face in society.

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“Self-defence techniques are essential for young women in these times, and martial arts is the best way to equip them,” she said in an interview with The Guardian.

History of Kalaripayattu and Its Decline

Kalaripayattu is believed to have originated in Kerala about 5,000 years ago. The word is derived from the Malayalam terms ‘kalari’ (battlefield) and ‘payattu’ (practice). It was widely practised until European colonisers introduced modern weaponry, making traditional martial arts less relevant.

In 1804, British colonial rulers banned Kalaripayattu, causing its decline. However, it survived in secret and experienced a resurgence in the early 20th century. After India’s independence in 1947, interest in the martial art grew again, with schools like Raghavan’s playing a role in preserving and promoting it.

Even at 82, Raghavan remains dedicated to Kalaripayattu. She continues to train students, emphasising discipline, confidence, and self-defence. Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition in Kerala, where she is known not only for her age but also for her commitment to the art.