Talk:The Bravery of Unniyarchā

By Vishal Agarwal

In the early 17th century CE, there lived a fencing and martial arts master named Āromal Cēkavar. He trained his sister Unniyarcā also in sword-fighting. Unfortunately, she was married to a coward named Kunnhirāman.

One day, Unniyarcā expressed her wish to offer worship at a nearby Mandir of Bhagavān Ayyappā. But her mother-in-law refused, saying, “The path to the Mandir is dangerous. The Chōṇaka tribesmen often attack pilgrims and carry away their women.”

Undaunted, Unniyarcā set out with her husband, sword in hand. On the way, the Chōṇakas attacked. Unniyarcā unsheathed her sword and fought with such valor that she killed several of the attackers. Hearing that his men were slain by a woman, the Chōṇaka chief himself came forward, only to discover that the warrior was none other than the sister of his own martial arts Guru, Āromal.

He begged her forgiveness, but Unniyarcā refused until he solemnly promised that no Chōṇaka would ever again harm pilgrim women on their way to the Mandir. Her bravery ensured the safety of countless women in the years to follow.

In her honor, ballads were composed in Malayalam celebrating her courage, and in modern times her story has been retold in plays and films as a symbol of fearless womanhood.