Folk traces varma kalai to the god
Shiva, who is said to have taught it to his son
Murugan. While disguised as an old man, Murugan passed the knowledge of 108
Varmams to his disciple, the sage
Agastya, who then recorded it and disseminated the skill among his students. Nadars tribe believes varma kalai was given to them by Agastya .
Siddha medicine is also attributed to Agastya. Knowledge of the body's vital points in India included not only humans but also elephants. Known as
nila, learning these points on an elephant's body was and remains necessary for
mahouts. Prodding particular nila with a stick elicits various responses such as bringing the animal under control or making them kneel. Warriors would learn to attack certain nila on opposing war-elephants during battle, which could either kill or frighten the animals. The national museums of
Sri Lanka have documented at least 86 nila and their functions. ==Schools==