sentences:  In Kerala, India, duelling between warriors was used to settle conflicts between local rulers.The prime martial caste of Kerala, Nairs, and some prominent Ezhava families made up the Chekavars (which literally means "those who are prepared to die" in the Malayalam language).Some prominent warriors who took part in such "ankam" (duels) were Thacholi Othenan, Unniarcha, Aromal Chekavar, whose legends are described in the "Vadukkan Pattukal" (Northern Ballads).