When the Body Becomes All eyes - Paradigms, Discourses and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu

by Phillip B. Zarrilli

This is the first in-depth study of kalarippayattu - one of India's traditional martial, and medical arts dating from at least the 12th century AD. Based on twenty years of research and practice in Kerala, this study traces how kalarippayattu is a mode of cultural practice through which bodies, knowledges, powers, agency, selves, and identities are constantly repositioned.

Genres: Martial Arts

310 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 1998

Reviews

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thoughtful book, wide-ranging in scope that describes the esoterica of the art, but also discusses kalaripayattu as a defensive art for the Nairs, and its reclamation as a source of Indian pride. Zarrilli's background in theater leads him to connect it as a movement discipline to Indian dance/theater, and the manifestation of Kali. The contrast between traditional, slow training that leads to greater enlightenment, and contemporary, faster training, focused on winning/competition, is as present in this as any art.

I find myself torn between those two competing logics: on the one hand, more efficient ways of training are helpful in allowing people to reach levels of skill more readily and make these arts accessible to more busy people who don't have 4 hours/day to train, but on the other hand, I do believe that one gains a level of wisdom and appreciation from slow-training, like slow-cooking and other traditional disciplines.

[Deepak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading the book and gained a better understanding of Kalaripayattu

[Apurva Takle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thoughtful and in-depth. Worth reading.