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{{short description|Indian warrior and heroine}}
{{For|the 1961 film of the same name|Unniyarcha (film)}}
{{For|the 1961 film of the same name|Unniyarcha (film)}}
{{short description|Indian warrior and heroine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox martial artist
[[File:Wedding at ‘Puthooram Veedu’.jpg|thumb|Wedding at ‘Puthooram Veedu’, mock marriage at childhood between Chandu chekavar and unniyarcha as described in a ballad.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nair |first1=Aparna |title=Bringing to life the ballads of north Malabar on canvases |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/bringing-to-life-the-ballads-of-north-malabar-on-canvases/article66661369.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=25 March 2023}}</ref>]]
| name            = Puthooram Veetil Unniyarcha
'''Unniyarcha''' or '''Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha''' ({{Script|ml|ഉണ്ണിയാർച്ച}}, {{IPA|ml|uɳːijaːrt͡ːʃɐ}}) is a legendary  warrior and heroine from the 16th century, mentioned in the ''[[Vadakkan Pattukal]]'', a set of historical ballads from northern [[Kerala]], a state in southwestern India. She was a member of a [[Thiyyar]] community family called ''Puthooram Veed'' in [[Kadathanad]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CaoAEQAAQBAJ&dq=thiyya+subcaste&pg=PA124 | title=The Laws of Yesterday's Wars 3: From the Highlands of Papua New Guinea to the Island of Malta | isbn=978-90-04-51256-6 | last1=Duckett White | first1=Samuel C. | date=8 April 2024 | publisher=Martinus Nijhoff Publishers }}</ref> The location of Puthooram Veed is described in the [[Vadakkan Pattukal]] as follows: ''Puthoorampaadam (large paddy field under Puthooram Veed) is situated at the eastern end of Kadathanadu (present-day [[Vadakara]]). Ilavanoor Madam is located at the western end of Puthoorampaadam, and within Ilavanoor Madam lies Puthooram Veed.''
| image            =  
 
| image_size      =  
In the Vadakkan Pattukal, when Unniyarcha beheaded the [[Malabar Muslims|Mappila]]s (Jonakars) of [[Nadapuram]] with her [[urumi]], the [[Malabar Muslims|Mappila]] Moopan, who had tried to capture her with his men, approached several people to negotiate and prevent them from informing [[Aromal Chekavar]] or the people at Puthooram Veedu, in order to avoid further retaliation. Finally, they approached the Thamburatti (queen) of [[Kolathiri]]. The Thamburatti replied that they had no right to advise Puthooram Veedu, because at the time of the [[Chera dynasty|Chera king]]’s departure, both [[Kolathiri]] and Puthooram Veedu were granted equal status,meaning even the king could neither control nor advise them.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2018/10/17/go-on-a-thrilling-trip-to-the-martial-arts-heritage.html | title=Go on a thrilling trip to the martial arts heritage of Kadathanad }}</ref><ref name="unni2nn"/>
| alt              =  
 
| caption          = Unniyarcha's painting based on the description found in ''[[Vadakkan Pattukal]]''
Unniyarcha's father's name was Kannappa [[Chekavar]].<ref name="Thiyya-chekava">Jumbos and Jumping Devils: A Social History of Indian Circus - Nisha P.R.
| birth_name      = Unniyarcha
[https://books.google.com/books?id=My8DEAAAQBAJ&q=Chekavan.Jumbos&pg=PT42 and Jumping Devils]</ref> She is believed to have lived in the northern part of Kerala during the 16th century. She is a popular character in Kerala's folklore and is remembered for her valour and skills in Kerala's native martial art, [[Kalaripayattu]]. According to legend, Unniyarcha was mostly known for her deadly skill with the whip-like [[urumi]], a unique type of sword that originates from Kerala. Like most traditional Kalaripayattu practitioners, she began training at the [[kalari]] at the age of seven.<ref name="unni2nn"/>
| birth_date      =16th century <ref name="unni2nn"/>
| birth_place      =[[Kadathanad]]  
| death_date      =
| death_place      =
| death_cause      =
| native_name      =
| native_name_lang =
| other_names      = Puthooram Putri
| residence        =
| nationality      =[[India|Indian]]  
| ethnicity        = Chekavar (Thiyyar)
| height          = <!-- "X cm" or "X ft Y in" (conversions are automatic) -->
| height_ft        =  
| height_in        =  
| height_cm        =  
| height_footnote  =  
| weight          = <!-- "X kg" or "X lb" (conversions are automatic) -->
| weight_lb        =  
| weight_kg        =  
| weight_footnote  =
| weight_class    =  
| reach            = <!-- "X cm" or "X in" (conversions are automatic) -->
| reach_in        =
| reach_cm        =
| reach_footnote  =
| martial_art      = [[Kalaripayattu]]
| style            =
| stance          =
| fighting_out_of  =
| team            =
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| occupation      =
| university      =
| spouse          =
| children        =Aromalunni
| relatives        = Aromal Chekavar, Chekavar of Ambadi Koloth, Chandu Chekavar
| students        =
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| website          = <!-- {{URL|www.example.com}} -->
| boxrec          =  
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}}


'''Unniyarcha''' (sometimes spelled '''"Uñnįarcha"''') is a legendary  [[warrior]] and heroine mentioned in the ''[[Vadakkan Pattukal]]'',<ref name="unni2nn"/> a set of ballads from [[Kerala]], a state in southwestern [[India]]. She was a member of a [[Thiyyar history|Thiyyar]] family of ''Puthooram Veed'' in [[Kadathanad]].<ref name="unni2nn"/> Her father's name was Kannappa Chekavar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/281117/what-mt-did-to-unniyarcha.html|title=What MT did to Unniyarcha|first=Pushpa|last=Kurup|date=28 November 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref name="Thiyya-chekava"> Jumbos and Jumping Devils: A Social History of Indian Circus - Nisha P.R. - Google Books
There are so many such instances in Vatakkan Pattukal where the warrior heroes or heroines of the stories would win or lose in some of the famous duels of Kalaripayattu. Among these instances, the fight between Unniyarcha and several men with an [[urumi]] (specially used for Kalarippayattu) to safeguard herself and her husband from a planned attack by some thieves is very popular.<ref>{{cite book|last=Arya Madhavan|year=2010|title=Kudiyattam Theatre and the Actor's Consciousness|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jfl5DwAAQBAJ&dq=unniyarcha&pg=PA134|publisher=Brill ebook|page=134|isbn=9789042027992}}</ref>
[https://books.google.co.in/books?id=My8DEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT42&dq=Chekavan&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjCnO_mhKXtAhVabysKHZCiDpgQ6AEwA3oECAUQAg#v=onepage&q=Chekavan&f=false.Jumbos and Jumping Devils] </ref> She is believed to have lived in the northern part of [[Kerala]] during the 16th century.<ref name="malayalamresourcecentre.org">{{Cite web |url=http://malayalamresourcecentre.org/Mrc/literature/folk.html |title=History of Malayalam Literature: Folk literature |access-date=2013-08-09 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712115051/http://malayalamresourcecentre.org/Mrc/literature/folk.html |archive-date=2012-07-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/meet-padma-shri-meenakshi-gurukkal-grand-old-dame-kalaripayattu-56274|title=Meet Padma Shri Meenakshi Gurukkal, the grand old dame of Kalaripayattu - The 75-year-old Padma winner is perhaps the oldest Kalaripayattu exponent in the country|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref name="unni2nn"/> She is a popular character in [[Kerala]]'s [[folklore]], and is remembered for her valour and skills in Kerala's native martial art, [[Kalaripayattu]]. According to legend, Unniyarcha was most known for her deadly skill with the whip-like [[Urumi]], a unique type of sword that is native to Kerala. Like most traditional Kalaripayattu practitioners, she began training at the [[kalari]] at the age of seven.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/deccan+chronicle-epaper-deccanch/what+mt+did+to+unniyarcha-newsid-77120520|title=What MT did to Unniyarcha - Deccan Chronicle|website=Dailyhunt|language=en|access-date=2019-03-12}}</ref><ref name="unni2nn"/>


==History==
==Biography==
''Attummanammel'' Unniyarcha was from the famous ''Puthooram Veedu'' of [[Kadathanad]], a region in northern [[Kerala]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="malayalamresourcecentre.org"/> Unniyarcha was married to ''Attumanammel'' Kunjiraman.<ref>{{cite book
[[File:ലോകനാർകാവ് ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം 01.jpg|thumb|Bhagavathy Temple, Lokanarkavu belonging to Puthooram Veedu]]
| last = Gangadharan
Unniyarcha was from the famous ''Puthooram Veedu'' of [[Kadathanad]] ([[Vadakara]]), a region in northern present-day [[Kerala]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/meet-padma-shri-meenakshi-gurukkal-grand-old-dame-kalaripayattu-56274|title=Meet Padma Shri Meenakshi Gurukkal, the grand old dame of Kalaripayattu - The 75-year-old Padma winner is perhaps the oldest Kalaripayattu exponent in the country|last=|first=|date=25 January 2017|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref name="malayalamresourcecentre.org">{{Cite web |url=http://malayalamresourcecentre.org/Mrc/literature/folk.html |title=History of Malayalam Literature: Folk literature |access-date=2013-08-09 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712115051/http://malayalamresourcecentre.org/Mrc/literature/folk.html |archive-date=2012-07-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Throughout her life she was often titled ''Puthooramputhri'' (daughter of Puthooram house). After her marriage to Kunjiraman she was also referred to as ''Attummanammel Unniyarcha.'' Kunjiraman had a kalari known as ''Puthussery Kalari,'' which is said to remain in the [[Kannur]] district of Kerala to this day. Legend has it that Unniyarcha won 64 kalari ankam in her youth. She was the sister of [[Aromal Chekavar]] and Unnikannan. Unniyarcha rejected the romantic advances of [[Chandu Chekavar]] (also known as ''Chanthu Chekavar''), which led to the murder of her brother Aromal. Aromalunni, the son of Unniyarcha, later took revenge against Chanthu to avenge his uncle.<ref>{{cite book
| first = Dr. Thikkurissi
| title = Puthariyankam
| publisher = [[DCBooks]]
| year = 1984
| pages = 148
}}</ref> Many [[Thiyya|Thiyyar]] families today trace their roots to this Chekavar lineage, and to mythological fighters such as Unniyarcha and her brother, Aromal Chekavar.<ref> Ullekh.N.p, [https://books.google.com/books/about/Kannur.html?id=WR1eDwAAQBAJ. ''Kannur:inside India's Bloodiest Revenge Politics''] google books. P.201</ref>  ''Attummanammel'' Kunjiraman had a kalari known as ''Puthussery Kalari,'' which remains in the [[Kannur]] district of [[Kerala]] to this day. She was the sister of [[Aromal Chekavar]] and Unnikannan. Unniyarcha rejected the romantic advances of [[Chandu Chekavar]] (also known as ''Chanthu Chekavar''), which led to the murder of her brother Aromal. Aromalunni, the son of Unniyarcha, later took revenge against Chanthu to avenge his uncle.<ref>{{cite book
  | last = Ayyappapanicker
  | last = Ayyappapanicker
  | first = K.
  | first = K.
Line 115: Line 23:
  | isbn = 81-260-0365-0
  | isbn = 81-260-0365-0
  | pages = 316
  | pages = 316
}}</ref> Unniyarcha is revered in Kerala, especially among [[Kalaripayattu]] practitioners, for her martial skill, courage and beauty.  
}}</ref>
 
[[File:Urumi weapon.jpg|thumb|Urumi weapon|150px]]
Unniyarcha is perhaps the most exceptional of all the 'heroines' of North Malabar. Also known as Archa, she became synonymous with empowered independent women in Kerala. Her name became a symbol of beauty, bravery and fierce independence among Keralite women.
==Nadapuram fight==
According to historian [[A. Sreedhara Menon]], Unniyarcha mastered the technique of warfare in childhood by undergoing a rigorous course of training in the kalari. She married Attummanammel Kunhiraman, and a day later, Unniyarcha set out from home to see the Kuthu in ''Allimalarkavu'', the Vilakku in Ayyappankavu and the  Velapuram in Anjanakavu (the version in the ballads). As the [[Malabar Muslims|Mappilas]] (Jonakas) in the bazaar on her journey were a much dreaded lot, her husband and relatives did not approve of that. In spite of this, she was determined to go for these festivals.<ref name="unni2nn"/> Her husband Kunhiraman had no other alternative but to accompany her. As expected, she was waylaid at [[Nadapuram]] by the mappilas. Though Kunhiraman was in jitters, Unniyarcha showed her mettle by facing her adversaries almost single-handed. The headman of the jonakas (mappila), who happened to see her on the way, was enamoured of her beauty and sent his men to carry her away by force. Unniyarcha drew her sword and then proceeded to kill some of them. The rest fled and brought the headman himself to the scene, who soon discovered that she was the sister of his fencing master. He appealed to both the brother and sister to pardon him, but Unniyarcha was inexorable and challenged him and his men to a fight.<ref name="move">{{cite book|last=B.S. Chandrababu, L. Thilagavathi|year=2009|title=Woman, Her History and Her Struggle for Emancipation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NZmyUpHdPWYC&dq=unniyarcha&pg=PA156|publisher=Bharathi Boothakalayam|page=156|isbn=9788189909970}}</ref>


===Nadapuram Fight===
The mappilas soon realised that their opponent was none other than the brave sister of Aromal Chekavar, whom their leader had held in great awe and respect. Having realised his mistake, the leader tried to do his best to pacify her, but she would not pardon him without a categorical assurance that women would be allowed to walk along that way without any fear of molestation. Not even the intercession of the wife of the ruling chieftain and the influential Chetti (Chekavar’s friend) would be able to win her over. At last, Aromal Chekavar himself appeared on the scene. Only after the leader made a tendered wholesome apology and offered all kinds of gifts did she calm down and make peace with her adversaries.<ref name="unni2nn">{{Cite book|last=Menon|first=A. Sreedhara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wnAjqjhc1VcC|title=Kerala History and its Makers|publisher=D C Books|date=4 March 2011|isbn=978-81-264-3782-5|pages=82–86|language=en|access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref> The chief persuaded the girl to sheath her sword, which she did on the headman’s promise that no woman of the place would be molested in the future.<ref name="move"/>
According to historian [[A Sreedhara Menon]], Unniarcha Even in her childhood she mastered the technique of warfare by undergoing a rigorous course of training in the Kalari.<ref name="unni2nn"/> She was the very embodiment of female heroism and many are the deeds of gallantry attributed to her in the northern ballads. She had married one ''Attummanammel Kunhiraman'' who was literally a coward. One day after her marriage Unniarcha set out from home to see the Kuthu in ''Allimalarkavu'', the Vilakku in Ayyappankavu and the  Velapuram in Anjanakavu (the version in the ballads).<ref name="unni2nn"/> As the Mappilas (Jonakas) in the bazar on the way were a much dreaded lot, her husband and relatives did not approve of her journey. In spite of this, she was determined to go for these festivals.<ref name="unni2nn"/> Her husband Kunhiraman had no other alternative but to accompany her. As was expected, she was waylaid at Nadapuram by the Mappilas. Though Kunhiraman was in jitters, Unniarcha showed her mettle by facing her adversaries almost single-handed. The ballads so goes Nadapuram 85 Kerala History and Its Makers mention her caustic comments about the nervous behaviour of her husband. ("Though a woman, I do not shiver. Then why should you, a man, shiver".) The Mappilas soon realised that their opponent was none other than the brave sister of Aromal Chekavar whom their leader (Muppan) had held in great awe and respect.<ref name="unni2nn"/> Having realised his mistake the Muppan tried to do his best to pacify her, but she would not pardon him without a categorical assurance that women would be allowed to walk along that way without any fear of molestation. Even the intercession of the wife of the ruling chieftain or of the influential Chetti who was the friend of Chekavar failed to win her over.<ref name="unni2nn"/> At last Aromal Chekavar himself appeared on the scene. Only after the Muppan tendered wholesome apology and offered all kinds of gifts did she calm down and make peace with her adversaries.<ref name="unni2nn">{{Cite book|last=Menon|first=A. Sreedhara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wnAjqjhc1VcC|title=Kerala History and its Makers|publisher=D C Books|date=4 March 2011|isbn=978-81-264-3782-5|pages=82–86|language=en|access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
The legend of Unniyarcha has been made into films such as:
The legend of Unniyarcha has been made into films such as:
* ''Unniyarcha'' (1961)  
* ''Unniyarcha'' (1961)  
*[[Aromalunni]] (1972)
* ''[[Aromalunni]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha]]'' (2002).
* ''[[Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha]]'' (2002)
* A television serial titled ''Unniyarcha'' was aired on [[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] (2006).
*A television serial titled ''Unniyarcha'' was broadcast on [[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] in (2006).
* Her character was also shown in ''[[Veeram (2016 film)|Veeram]]'' (2016)
*''[[Veeram (2016 film)|Veeram]]'' (2016)
 
==See also==
* [[Kozhikode|Calicut]]
* [[Kannur]]
* [[Chekavar]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Indian women in war]]
[[Category:Indian women warriors]]
[[Category:Women in 16th-century warfare]]
[[Category:Women in 16th-century warfare]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian military personnel]]
[[Category:Indian warriors]]
[[Category:Ezhava]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian women]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian women]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Kerala]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Kerala]]
[[Category:Women from Kerala]]
[[Category:Women from Kerala]]
{{lit-char-stub}}

Latest revision as of 16:33, 18 March 2026


For the 1961 film of the same name, see Unniyarcha (film).

Wedding at ‘Puthooram Veedu’, mock marriage at childhood between Chandu chekavar and unniyarcha as described in a ballad.[1]

Unniyarcha or Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha (ഉണ്ണിയാർച്ച, ml) is a legendary warrior and heroine from the 16th century, mentioned in the Vadakkan Pattukal, a set of historical ballads from northern Kerala, a state in southwestern India. She was a member of a Thiyyar community family called Puthooram Veed in Kadathanad.[2] The location of Puthooram Veed is described in the Vadakkan Pattukal as follows: Puthoorampaadam (large paddy field under Puthooram Veed) is situated at the eastern end of Kadathanadu (present-day Vadakara). Ilavanoor Madam is located at the western end of Puthoorampaadam, and within Ilavanoor Madam lies Puthooram Veed.

In the Vadakkan Pattukal, when Unniyarcha beheaded the Mappilas (Jonakars) of Nadapuram with her urumi, the Mappila Moopan, who had tried to capture her with his men, approached several people to negotiate and prevent them from informing Aromal Chekavar or the people at Puthooram Veedu, in order to avoid further retaliation. Finally, they approached the Thamburatti (queen) of Kolathiri. The Thamburatti replied that they had no right to advise Puthooram Veedu, because at the time of the Chera king’s departure, both Kolathiri and Puthooram Veedu were granted equal status,meaning even the king could neither control nor advise them.[3][4]

Unniyarcha's father's name was Kannappa Chekavar.[5] She is believed to have lived in the northern part of Kerala during the 16th century. She is a popular character in Kerala's folklore and is remembered for her valour and skills in Kerala's native martial art, Kalaripayattu. According to legend, Unniyarcha was mostly known for her deadly skill with the whip-like urumi, a unique type of sword that originates from Kerala. Like most traditional Kalaripayattu practitioners, she began training at the kalari at the age of seven.[4]

There are so many such instances in Vatakkan Pattukal where the warrior heroes or heroines of the stories would win or lose in some of the famous duels of Kalaripayattu. Among these instances, the fight between Unniyarcha and several men with an urumi (specially used for Kalarippayattu) to safeguard herself and her husband from a planned attack by some thieves is very popular.[6]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Bhagavathy Temple, Lokanarkavu belonging to Puthooram Veedu

Unniyarcha was from the famous Puthooram Veedu of Kadathanad (Vadakara), a region in northern present-day Kerala.[7][8] Throughout her life she was often titled Puthooramputhri (daughter of Puthooram house). After her marriage to Kunjiraman she was also referred to as Attummanammel Unniyarcha. Kunjiraman had a kalari known as Puthussery Kalari, which is said to remain in the Kannur district of Kerala to this day. Legend has it that Unniyarcha won 64 kalari ankam in her youth. She was the sister of Aromal Chekavar and Unnikannan. Unniyarcha rejected the romantic advances of Chandu Chekavar (also known as Chanthu Chekavar), which led to the murder of her brother Aromal. Aromalunni, the son of Unniyarcha, later took revenge against Chanthu to avenge his uncle.[9]

Urumi weapon

Nadapuram fight[edit | edit source]

According to historian A. Sreedhara Menon, Unniyarcha mastered the technique of warfare in childhood by undergoing a rigorous course of training in the kalari. She married Attummanammel Kunhiraman, and a day later, Unniyarcha set out from home to see the Kuthu in Allimalarkavu, the Vilakku in Ayyappankavu and the Velapuram in Anjanakavu (the version in the ballads). As the Mappilas (Jonakas) in the bazaar on her journey were a much dreaded lot, her husband and relatives did not approve of that. In spite of this, she was determined to go for these festivals.[4] Her husband Kunhiraman had no other alternative but to accompany her. As expected, she was waylaid at Nadapuram by the mappilas. Though Kunhiraman was in jitters, Unniyarcha showed her mettle by facing her adversaries almost single-handed. The headman of the jonakas (mappila), who happened to see her on the way, was enamoured of her beauty and sent his men to carry her away by force. Unniyarcha drew her sword and then proceeded to kill some of them. The rest fled and brought the headman himself to the scene, who soon discovered that she was the sister of his fencing master. He appealed to both the brother and sister to pardon him, but Unniyarcha was inexorable and challenged him and his men to a fight.[10]

The mappilas soon realised that their opponent was none other than the brave sister of Aromal Chekavar, whom their leader had held in great awe and respect. Having realised his mistake, the leader tried to do his best to pacify her, but she would not pardon him without a categorical assurance that women would be allowed to walk along that way without any fear of molestation. Not even the intercession of the wife of the ruling chieftain and the influential Chetti (Chekavar’s friend) would be able to win her over. At last, Aromal Chekavar himself appeared on the scene. Only after the leader made a tendered wholesome apology and offered all kinds of gifts did she calm down and make peace with her adversaries.[4] The chief persuaded the girl to sheath her sword, which she did on the headman’s promise that no woman of the place would be molested in the future.[10]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

The legend of Unniyarcha has been made into films such as:

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Nair, Aparna (25 March 2023). "Bringing to life the ballads of north Malabar on canvases". The Hindu.
  2. ↑ Duckett White, Samuel C. (8 April 2024). The Laws of Yesterday's Wars 3: From the Highlands of Papua New Guinea to the Island of Malta. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. ISBN 978-90-04-51256-6.
  3. ↑ "Go on a thrilling trip to the martial arts heritage of Kadathanad".
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Menon, A. Sreedhara (4 March 2011). Kerala History and its Makers. D C Books. pp. 82–86. ISBN 978-81-264-3782-5. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  5. ↑ Jumbos and Jumping Devils: A Social History of Indian Circus - Nisha P.R. and Jumping Devils
  6. ↑ Arya Madhavan (2010). Kudiyattam Theatre and the Actor's Consciousness. Brill ebook. p. 134. ISBN 9789042027992.
  7. ↑ "Meet Padma Shri Meenakshi Gurukkal, the grand old dame of Kalaripayattu - The 75-year-old Padma winner is perhaps the oldest Kalaripayattu exponent in the country". 25 January 2017.
  8. ↑ "History of Malayalam Literature: Folk literature". Retrieved 9 August 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. ↑ Ayyappapanicker, K. (2000). Medieval Indian Literature: An Anthology. Sahitya Akademi. p. 316. ISBN 81-260-0365-0.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 B.S. Chandrababu, L. Thilagavathi (2009). Woman, Her History and Her Struggle for Emancipation. Bharathi Boothakalayam. p. 156. ISBN 9788189909970.
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