ARANMULA KANNADI-THE METAL MIRROR

Aranmula Kannadi, the exquisite metal mirror from Kerala is a saga of artistic craftsmanship, says Pooja Kashyap.

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In the list of the dying arts of India is the exquisite Aranmula Kannadi—the metal mirror. This unique handcrafted mirror is made in Aranmula, a small village in the state of Kerala. What is noteworthy about this mirror is that unlike conventional glass mirrors, the Aranmula Kannadi is crafted using a unique combination of metal alloys. The whole process involved in making this mirror is a saga in itself. It can take weeks or even months to make a single mirror, depending upon its size and complexity. Meticulous polishing is required to achieve its reflective surface. This is both labour intensive and time consuming. It holds immense cultural and historical significance in Kerala and is considered a symbol of prosperity, good luck, and status.

One of the unique properties of this mirror is that the reflection produced in this mirror is true to reality and not a reversed image. The reflective surface offers a perfect image, comparable to or even better than glass mirrors.