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.
This mirror is steeped in cultural and spiritual heritage of Kerala, and is considered a sacred object. During Vishukkani—the festival to mark the Malyalam New Year, Hindu families use it as the object of first sight, a ritual considered to be auspicious. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household.
The making of the Aranmula Kannadi is a highly intricate and secretive process that has been passed down through generations of artisans in the village of Aranmula, near Parthasarthy Temple. The exact composition of the metal alloy used to create the reflective surface is a closely guarded family secret, known only to a few families in the region. Preparation of alloys, casting and polishing of the surface is done by hand using special materials to achieve a perfectly smooth and reflective surface. This step requires extreme skill and patience. Any imperfections are corrected by further polishing. Once the reflective surface is ready, the mirror is mounted on a decorative brass or bronze frame, often intricately designed, showcasing traditional motifs like flowers, leaves, or animals. The finished mirror undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure flawless reflection and aesthetic appeal.
Its primary market remains Kerala households, who consider it to be a divine object used during weddings, housewarming ceremonies, festivals and other auspicious occasions. The art enthusiasts and collectors do purchase them as luxury items. It commands a market among the Indian diaspora, specially Malayalees living abroad for its religious significance. The Aranmula Kannadi is also exported to countries with a significant Indian population, such as the USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Australia, and Singapore.
One of the major causes for its limited accessibility is its high cost and limited numbers being available, making them rare and valuable. Availability of fake versions of Aranmula Kannadi made with glass, often confuses the buyers, affecting market trust. Lack of awareness about its uniqueness outside India also affects its market.
Thankfully, the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag enhances its authenticity and global appeal as a unique heritage product. Families act as real custodians of this sacred tradition and maintain the authenticity of the craft by adhering to traditional methods. The Aranmula Kannadi is a unique contribution of Kerala to the world and holds a prestigious place in Indian heritage.
