Question

Arrange the stages of 'Kaḷarippayatṭu' in correct sequence-
A. Stick Combat Training
B. Handling Weapons
C. Body Fitness
D. Training in Hand Combat
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. A, C, B, D
• C. B, A, D, C
• D. C, A, B, D

Hint:

Body fitness first, then sticks, then weapons, then bare hands.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Think about how any martial art is taught.
A teacher first builds a strong and flexible body. Then simple tools are given, then harder tools, and last the fight with no tools at all. Kalarippayattu follows this pattern.

Step 2: First stage.
Meithari trains the body with exercises, jumps and oil massage. It is Body Fitness, so C is first.

Step 3: Second stage.
Kolthari uses long wooden sticks and short sticks. It is Stick Combat Training, so A is second.

Step 4: Third stage.
Ankathari moves to sharp metal weapons such as swords and spears. It is Handling Weapons, so B is third.

Step 5: Fourth stage.
Verumkai is the last stage, with bare hand combat and vital points. It is Training in Hand Combat, so D is last.

Step 6: Match with the options.
The order C, A, B, D appears only in option 4. Every other option places body fitness after a weapon stage, which a trainer would never allow.

Step 7: Why a different order would fail.
If a student met sharp metal weapons before learning stick control, injury would be likely. If a student began hand combat before body conditioning, the moves would lack strength and balance. This is why the stages are fixed and why options 1, 2 and 3 are wrong.

Final Answer:
Option 4 shows the traditional training sequence of Kalarippayattu. \[ \boxed{\text{Option 4: C, A, B, D}} \]