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The lady wields the sword

Ages before women’s empowerment became a catch-phrase, women in India have stood on level ground with their male counterparts – sometimes even wielding a sword to prove it. The ancient martial art of Kerala – Kalaripayattu – had legions of female warriors who trained shoulder-to-shoulder with men, taking on the same unforgiving physical regime. One such legendary warrior, Unniyarcha, is said to have saved the women of an entire village with her valour, bravery, and especially her adroit handling of urumi – a thin, long, flexible sword.
Kerala’s martial folklore is replete with ballads praising Unniyarcha, and several bio-pics have been made on her life. She is always portrayed as a highly skilled, accomplished warrior, respected and emulated by her colleagues – male and female – and by legions of students. Today, when the armed forces commit to providing equal opportunities for lady officers, Unniyarcha’s story provides immense inspiration.

By - Pramod Shankar