ARANMULA KANNADI

ABOUT ARANMULA KANNADI

Aranmula Kannadi is basically a metal mirror
This craft is practiced in Aranmula, Kerala
It was in use much before the appearance of modern-day glass
mirrors.
The metal mirror manufactured in Aranmula is a front surface
reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections.
A special alloy is used to manufacture the Aranmula Kannadi.
Besides making the right combination of the alloy, the craftsmen get
involved in intensive polishing sessions, which would go on for several
days to obtain the desired reflective surface
 HISTORY OF ARANMULA KANNADI
The origins of the Aranmula Kannadi are linked to the Aranmula
Parthasarathy Temple.
Eight families of experts were brought from Tamil Nadu to aranmula for art
and craft work of temple.
They were given the task of undertaking works in the Parthasarathy Temple.
While making the crown of lord Parthasarathy, they accidentally stumbled
upon a unique reflective property of one alloy comprising copper and tin.
The craftsmen later tried different compositions, which eventually led to
the standards of making the metal mirror.
COMPOSITION OF ARANMULA KANNADI (MIRROR)

Copper
Tin
 TOOLS AND RAW MATERIALS

Hollow Frame Chisels Sharp pointed tools

Compass Tong Hammer Hand cutting machine

 Wax
Clay Metal alloy chunks

Metal Frame Coal

Oil
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
 LUXURY
There is no possibility of duplicating the product.
The secret behind aranmula kannadi is its method of making itself.
The process itself is very sophisticated and time consuming and it requires
high accuracy and expertise.
Even today, craftsmen use traditional, methods and materials to produce
the reflecting wonder called Aranmula Kannadi.
If we take two aranmula kannadi of same model, we can see lot of
differences between them, the two original aranmula kannadi won’t looks
alike.
The size, weight and designs are different from each other.
Each aranmula kanandi is unique, and there won’t be any similar one in
the entire world.
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) TAG

The name Aranmula Kannadi has been accepted for registration as a

geographical indication under the Indian Geographical Indication of
Goods Registration and Protection Act 1999 and published in the
Geographical Indication Journal No. 3 dated 1 November 2004.

According to the description Forming part of the published extract,

the origin of the Aranmula mimor is as follows, this peculiar mirror is
made out of copper and tin in a precise ration of casting.
PROMOTIONAL AGENCIES
Kerala handicraft Development Corporation
Apex Society a semi government organization
I.R.D.P held an exhibition in Ernakulum in 1983 exhibiting a variety of
crafts in which Aranmula Kannadi became the main attraction for the
visitors.
Handicraft Handloom Development Authority of India
An article in Pennsylvania University, U.S.A gave it a lot of international
publicity.
In 14th October 2017. There was a video about Aranmula Kannadi in ‘Uden
Panam' Program.
Asianet had a documentary about the metal mirrors
Aranmula has been selected among thirty two villages for the two year
Endogenous Tourism Project (ETP), jointly sponsored by the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of India
 WORLD RECOGNITIONS

A few years back the Olympics Committee selected Aranmula mirror in

the list of gifts to be presented to those participated in Olympics. But
that could not be materialized because the artisans did not want to
suffer quality due to shortage of time. The Government is trying to
promote Aranmula mirror in the international market
FUTURE CRAFTSMEN AND CRAFT REVIVAL
The problem lies in the continuation of the craft, as most of the
younger generation are educated and move to the bigger cities.
For popularizing the crafts among all sections of the society, proper
promotions should take place.
The government should take initiatives in promoting the craft in
school and colleges so that the future generation is aware of the rich
heritage.