Gurukkal
ഗുരുക്കൾ
The title of a teacher and master of kalaripayattu in Kerala. A gurukkal leads the kalari and teaches fighting and traditional healing.
Quick Facts
Term typeTitle and rank
LanguageMalayalam
Formnoun
Pronunciation[goo-rook-kahl]
Alternative Nameskalaripayattu teacher
Readings and romanizations
Other spellinggurukkaḷ
Definition
Gurukkal (ഗുരുക്കൾ) is the title of a kalaripayattu teacher in Kerala. The word comes from Sanskrit guru, teacher. In southern kalaripayattu the teacher is more often called asan. A gurukkal leads the kalari, teaches armed and unarmed fighting and usually traditional healing, such as oil massage. His bond with students is personal and long-term, and he is responsible for passing on his school's tradition.