Unniarcha

Unniyarcha (or sometimes spelled Unniarcha) is a popular legendary warrior and heroine mentioned in the Vadakkan Pattukal, the old ballads of North Malabar.She is a Thiyya. She is a popular character in Kerala's folklore. She is believed to have lived in northern part of Kerala, India during the 16th century.

Attummanammel Unniyarcha was from the famous Puthooram Veedu of North Malabar. She was the sister of Aromal Chekavar (another legendary warrior) and Unnikannan. She was trained in the arts of the kalari, and an expert at wielding the urumi, a flexible sword used in kalaripayat. Unniyarcha spurned Chandu (or Chanthu) Chekavar's love for her, which led to the murder of her brother Aromal by Chanthu. Later, Aromalunni, the son of Unniyarcha, took revenge against Chanthu. Unniyarcha is praised for her bravery and beauty and chronicles have to this day kept the legend alive.

The legend of Unniyarcha has been made into films such as Unniyarcha (1961), Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), and Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha (2002). A television serial titled Unniyarcha was aired in Asianet (2006).

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