Padayani, which means "row of warriors," is thought to have been done by Kalaripayattu soldiers to demonstrate their might and chivalry in order to intimidate their opponents from the southern region of Travancore. Thus, this art style may be traced back to the Kalaripayattu martial art lineage. Today, it is still performed as a ritual before important battles or demonstrations of skill. The word "padayoni" refers to the line of dancers who perform during this event. It is composed of individual performers called "padyami" who move to the sound of drums to imitate the movements of animals. Each padyami has its own unique style that can only be learned from him/herself through direct experience. There are three main types of padayoni: men, women, and kalari (male) - kalari being the term used for trained dancers who specialize in imitating animal moves. Padayani was originally meant to distract the enemy with spectacular dancing displays before attacking them with sword dances or other maneuvers. However, modern-day practitioners use it as a form of entertainment after winning competitions or giving performances. This ritual art form is now practiced only by small groups of people in the villages of South India with no official organization. The last surviving master teacher of Kalari Payat was found in 1990 and he died two years later.