Kerala metallic mirrors of Aranmula Kannadi – An Ingenius Work

Deep in the heart of Aranmula, a quaint town nestled in the verdant state of Kerala, lies a centuries-old tradition that has been passed down through generations. It is a tradition of creating sacred mirrors known as Aranmula Kannadi, mirrors famed for their exceptional clarity and distortion-free reflections.

Aranmula Kannadi is highly regarded for its craftsmanship and rich history. If you’re interested in this piece of art, there’s a lot to know about it.

The temple town of Aranmula, situated in a pristine corner of Kerala, is famous for more than just a temple and a boat festival. Many visitors who come here for the popular attractions are unaware of the spiritual secret that this town holds. It is a rare craft that has been passed down by generations of craftsmen.

This masterpiece, known famously as the Aranmula Kannadi (Aranmula mirror), is furnished daily in this otherwise solemn town on the bank of the Pampa River, named after the town where it was born.

While the town is primarily famous for welcoming Vaishnav pilgrims every year to its revered Parthasarathi Temple and holding an annual boat race for excited onlookers, it’s this magic mirror that reflects the true legacy and heritage of this small town in Kerala. But what is this mirror all about and how can one acquire it?

The Aranmula Kannadi is a handmade metal-alloy mirror that is made only in Aranmula. Unlike traditional glass mirrors, the Aranmula Kannadi is a unique front surface reflection mirror that eliminates secondary reflections commonly seen in back surface mirrors. This traditional handmade metal mirror is known for bringing prosperity, luck, and wealth to life and it has great spiritual value. The mirror is born out of Kerala’s rich culture and its inclination towards metallurgical articles.

The Aranmula Kannadi is a mirror made with metals using technical expertise known only to the craftsmen of Aranmula. The exact composition and process used to create this mirror are protected by an ancient secret, passed down through generations of craftsmen in the village. Only one extended family in the town of Aranmula makes these mirrors, which are considered one of the eight auspicious articles or “Ashtamangalyam”. They are typically used at religious occasions, festivals, and ceremonies such as weddings, as they are believed to bring purity and auspiciousness to the event. In 2004, this rare craft from a small town in Kerala gained worldwide recognition when a 45-centimetre tall Aranmula mirror was placed in London’s British Museum and awarded a geographical indication (GI) tag. According to legend, the Aranmula Kannadi originated at the sacred Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.

The secret formula behind the reflective alloy used in Aranmula Kannadi has been meticulously guarded for centuries. It is a formula passed down from father to son within a single family, a legacy carried on with unwavering dedication.

Each Aranmula Kannadi mirror is a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who pour their lives into the creation process. Their hands, guided by centuries of knowledge, shape and polish the metal alloy with utmost precision.

The process of creating a Kerala metallic mirror is labour-intensive and requires skilled craftsmanship. The process begins with the preparation of the alloy, a combination of metals including copper and tin. The exact proportions and composition of the alloy remain a closely guarded secret. The alloy used in its creation is resistant to tarnishing, ensuring the mirror retains its brilliance and clarity over time.

Once the alloy is prepared, it is meticulously melted and artisans pour the molten alloy into intricately designed moulds. The intricate carvings on the frame are also painstakingly crafted, adding to the mirror’s artistic value.

The real magic, however, lies in the subsequent process of polishing. Using generations-old techniques, the craftsmen meticulously polish the surface of the mirror to achieve a flawless reflection until it achieves its renowned distortion-free clarity.

The polishing process is labour-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring 10-hour workdays for weeks or even months. It is a testament to the dedication and patience of the craftsmen who spend countless hours striving for perfection.

Each Aranmula Kannadi mirror is handmade, a unique work of art, imbued with both spiritual and cultural significance. Believed to possess the power to ward off evil and bring good fortune, these mirrors are often used in religious ceremonies and festivals.

Zero distortion, an astounding accomplishment achieved through the artisans’ skilled hands in the absence of any manufacturing equipment or machinery. Collectors and enthusiasts worldwide covet these works of art, admiring their exceptional beauty and craftsmanship.

The creation of Aranmula Kannadi mirrors is not merely a craft; it is a sacred ritual that connects the past, present, and future. It is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, the dedication of skilled craftsmen, and the enduring beauty of handmade objects in an increasingly digital world.

The uniqueness of the Kerala metallic mirror lies in its composition and the intricate designs that adorn its frame. The frames of the mirrors are typically made of wood, and adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments. These carvings often depict traditional motifs, such as temple scenes, floral patterns, or figures from Hindu mythology.

The Kerala metallic mirror holds a special place in Kerala culture and is considered an auspicious item. It is often used in traditional ceremonies, such as weddings and religious festivals. The mirror is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the household where it is displayed.

The reason why these mirrors are more accurate than the typical bathroom mirror would be:

The majority of mirrors contain a thin coating of glass, through which light transmits at a minimally divergent speed, and subsequently reflects off the reverse side of the mirror. This results in a satisfactory, albeit imperfect, image.

In the distant past, approximately three centuries ago, speculum metal was commonly employed in the production of mirrors. During the 17th century, Isaac Newton and William Herschel crafted telescope mirrors using this particular metal or an analogous alloy. This practice persisted until the 19th century when a novel technique of applying silver to glass to create the first surface mirror.

One significant disadvantage of speculum mirrors is their diminished light reflectivity compared to silver (or modern aluminium) coatings. Additionally, speculum metal is prone to tarnishing relatively quickly, necessitating regular repolishing. However, for potentially thousands of years, this method remained the sole means of creating the first surface mirrors capable of reflecting true colours (as opposed to the yellow tint characteristic of brass or most bronze alloys).

In the case of Aranmula Kannadi, the image is reflected directly onto the surface, effectively eliminating the potential for distortion unless the surface is deformed (which is unlikely with a mirror of this quality).

Scientists employ mirrors of this type for applications such as the James Webb Space Telescope or on microscopes and other high-precision instruments. Additionally, these mirrors reflect approximately 99% of incoming light, whereas “second reflection” mirrors only reflect approximately 80% of it.

Historically, these have served as India’s mirrors. Glasswork was an uncommon practice. The Sanskrit words Darpana, Aadarsha, and Mukura refer to this mirror. However, a kind of quartz mirror known as Mani-darpana, or the Gem Mirror, exists. It is corrosion-resistant in contrast to metal mirrors, making it more valuable. The art of mirror-making has a long and rich history in India, dating back thousands of years.

In the enchanting land where tradition and culture intertwine, Sudhammal, a resolute woman entrepreneur, today stands as a beacon of pride. She holds the honour of being the first female entrepreneur to carry forward the ancient craft that has been passed down through generations in her family.

When life threw a curveball in 2007, Sudhammal’s father fell ill. On his deathbed, he expressed his heartfelt wish for someone to continue his cherished legacy. Bound by love and duty, despite not having any brothers, Sudhammal took up the mantle, determined to honour her father’s dying wish.

In a society where patriarchal norms often overshadow women’s aspirations, Sudhammal’s resolve was nothing short of extraordinary. Armed with the knowledge and secrets imparted by her father, she embarked on a journey to revive and preserve the family’s ancestral art.

Embracing the challenge with unwavering dedication, Sudhammal sought the support of her community. To her delight, she encountered an outpouring of encouragement and assistance. People from all walks of life rallied around her, providing resources, guidance, and moral support.

With the unwavering support of her community, Sudhammal breathed new life into the traditional craft. Through her tireless efforts, she not only kept the legacy alive but also ensured that the art form would continue to flourish for generations to come.

Today, Sudhammal stands as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women who dare to break societal barriers and pursue their dreams. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of community support.

In a realm where passion and dedication are rare commodities, Sudhammal stands apart, defying the prevailing apathy of her generation. With an unwavering zeal for her work, she breathes life into an ancient craft that seems to have lost its allure in the face of modernity.

The new generation, seemingly captivated by the comforts and conveniences of the digital age, has exhibited a marked disinterest in the laborious and physically demanding nature of traditional crafts. The harsh working conditions, characterized by unbearable heat and long hours of tiring work, have deterred many from pursuing careers in artisanal endeavours.

Amidst this waning enthusiasm, Sudhammal the artisan perseveres, driven by an intrinsic love for her craft. “We won’t sell our sacred art to machinery which would end up dissolving our collective identity.” She says. In her skilled hands, molten metal takes on shape and form, transforming into exquisite pieces of art. The crucible, a vessel that bears witness to the alchemy of fire and metal, dries out as the artisan meticulously breaks up the tin and copper rods that she cast the day before.

The proportions and ratios of each metal added to the crucible are a closely guarded secret, known only to those who have inherited this craft through generations. It is a testament to the artisan’s dedication and knowledge that she possesses an innate understanding of how to blend these elements to achieve the perfect alloy.

As the molten metal flows and dances within the crucible, the artisan’s eyes gleam with anticipation and reverence. With each pour, she imbues the metal with her passion, creating objects that transcend mere functionality and become works of art. The intricate patterns and designs that emerge from the crucible are a testament to her skill and creativity.

A significant amount of love, attention, and effort have been invested in the creation of an item intended to endure for numerous generations. In a world characterized by rapid fashion trends and the prevalence of single-use plastic, such an item is indeed a rarity.

In a world where mass production and uniformity have become the norm, the young artisan’s commitment to her craft serves as a beacon of hope. Through her dedication, Sudhammal keeps alive a tradition that has been passed down through the ages, preserving a rich cultural heritage for generations to come.

Despite this, numerous tribal crafts stand on the brink of extinction or have already become extinct. India, a vast nation, boasts a diverse array of cultures and customs. These crafts were once the source of livelihood for these communities or certain individuals within those communities.

Today, the Kerala metallic mirror continues to be a cherished piece of art and a testament to the skill and artistry of Kerala’s craftsmen. It is not only a functional object but also a work of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.