Kottackkal Kanaran Gurukkal

Kottackkal Kanaran Gurukkal (1850–1941), was a prominent Kalaripayattu Gurukkal (master) credited with the revival of Kalaripayattu following its decline due to the British ban on the martial art. Nearly 60% of existing Kalaris trace their lineage directly or indirectly to Kanaran Gurukkal. His significant role in preserving and revitalizing Kalaripayattu has earned him the title "Dronacharya of Kalaripayattu". He was born into the Chekavar Thiyyar Tharavad, a large Landlord family near Mukkali, Vadakara, Kozhikode. He remained unmarried and dedicated his entire life to the preservation and promotion of Kalaripayattu.

Kalaripayattu, a martial art from Kerala, was banned by the British in the aftermath of the Cotiote War, and as a result, the Kalaris and institutions that existed far and wide in Kerala declined.

Later, after completing his training under various gurus, he arrived in Thiruvangat, Thalassery, at the age of 65 and established his own Kalari for the first time.