Kalarippayattu: The Complete Guide to Kerala's Ancient Martial Art About the Author The author, Chirakkal T. Sreedharan Nair (1909-1984), was a legendary exponent of payattu, who proved its practical value as a magnificent self-defense art. He taught, researched, demonstrated and wrote about discipline that became a lifetime s obsession for him, and set up the Sree Bharat Kalari in 1944. His book on Kalarippayattu, written in Malayalam and published in 1963, was the first of its kind and is regarded as the most authentic reference work on this ancient art. This manual has been adapted by his two sons, payattu adepts SRA Das and SRD Prasad, for the contemporary health and martial arts enthusiast.