In the feudal society of Kerala there were suicide squads, whose motto
was to kill or get killed. These dare-devil type of soldiers were known
as Chavettupada. The members of the squads were dedicated to the presiding
deities of famous temples and the soldiers were supposed to carry out
the orders of the goddess in fighting the enemies. The soldiers were given
rigorous training in the martial arts and were maintained for the protection
of famous temples. The tendency to give physical training to the whole
society resulted in many disastrous consequences like constant enmity
between classes and the resultant bloodshed. But training in physical
fitness helped in keeping a healthy community.
