Ezhuthu Kalari, a Malayalam term refers to the old traditional village schools in Kerala . These institutions were the major centers for initiating elementary education. Most of the children in the past had to attend these centres for learning  3Rs . It had been known by other names as well , such as Ezhuthu pally or Asan Kalari or Pallikkoodam. Ezhuthu Kalari were believed to be evolved from the ancient traditions of Gurukula system of schooling . Teachers of these schools were addressed by the name  Asan or  Ezhuthu Asan.