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Aranmula Kannadi

A unique mirror-making tradition survives ( 16 th century ) at the village of Aranmula, Kerala, southern India. It is an inherited gift.” The history of Aranmula Kannadi began with the rule of the Rajas. Artists from Tamilnadu who came over here to build temples , made the Kannadi and presented it to the Raja. Later ,it came to be identified as a good omen”, says Mr. Sundaram , a kannadi merchant in Aranmula. Extra ordinary hand made Aranmula Kannadi , is Famous for bringing prosperity, luck and wealth to home.

Aranmula is a little village in the district of Pathanamthitta, which is well known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Sree Krishna as Parthasarathy,the colorful snake boat Regatta and the Aranmula Kannadi.

Aranmula kannadi is famous for its secretive construction method and uniqueness in the make which get Patent protected with a Geographical Indication tag

• It is the only metal mirror available, Unlike Ordinary Glass mirror , Image from Aranmula Kannadi is reflected from upper surface of reflecting material , where in Glass mirror image reflected from bottom layer where mercury is pasted . So real image is only captured in the Aranmula kannadi.

• Aranmula kannadi is one among 8 auspicious items included famous astamagalaya set ,which usually used for very auspicious function like marriage.

• Aranmula Kannadi its make details only known to few people in one family belong to Aranmula and it is kept as a family secret
Copper and tin are some of the metals said to be used in casting the mirrors.To achieve their highly reflective surface, the finished mirrors need to be polished for 1-2 days.

“Moreover,the mirror should be kept under room temperature away from heat and dust.The article used for polishing the frame of this mirror should in no way touch the mirror.Any moisture should be cleaned off immediately”, says a manufacturer.Experts suggest that in case of fungus formation due to careless handling, just putting a drop of coconut oil on the affected portion,rubbing and cleaning it will restore the original clarity,shine and reflection.
Artisans even today use by traditional ‘low-tech’ methods and materials a rather sophisticated ‘high-tech’ metallurgical end product is achieved
The British Museum in London has a 45 centimeter tall Aranmula metal mirror in its collection.

The mirror is an exclusive product of Aranmula and many love to have this artistic creation on display in their homes.

Article by Anju Antony, St Teresas College, Cochin.

Aranmula Kannadi

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