The remains of our past will always exist amongst us. For years to come, as people, crafts, places, or simply as stories.
The uniqueness
The unique centuries old metal mirror from the village of Aranmula
Aranmula Kannadi is a world-renowned metal mirror crafted in the village of Aranmula, located in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district. The word “Kannadi” means mirror in Malayalam. Unlike conventional glass mirrors, Aranmula Kannadi is made from a unique alloy of tin and copper. The exact composition and polishing technique remain a closely guarded secret, known only to a few Vishwakarma families in the region. These mirrors are completely handmade and are known for their exceptional clarity and reflectivity.
Aranmula Kannadi became the second product in India to receive GI (Geographical Indication) registration, and the first product from Kerala to receive this status.
Metal mirrors have been in use for thousands of years, as seen in ancient sculptures and artefacts found across India and other parts of the world. The Aranmula Kannadi is believed to have originated several centuries ago, although the absence of written records makes it difficult to determine its exact beginnings. Handed down through generations, this unique craft continues to gain recognition and admiration both in India and around the world.
For a long time, only two Vishwakarma families were actively involved in making these metal mirrors. It was only in the later part of the 20th century that more families began to take up the tradition. The Mangalathu family is one of the original families that continues to preserve and practise this centuries-old craft, passing down the knowledge and skills through generations.
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Only A Few Families Know The Secret To
Making This Perfect Mirror | Still Standing
Only A Few Families Know The Secret To Making This Perfect Mirror | Still Standing
The Legend
Master Craftsman
Late M S Janardhanan Achary
He made the world’s first largest Aranmula Kannadi
The intricate and difficult secret to the creation of the Aranmula Kannadi was passed down from Subrahmanian Achary to his son M. S. Janardhanan Achary. He took up the family tradition at a young age and excelled in the art. He spent most of his life engrossed in his craft. He was a great maker of bronze products, including Uruli, Vilakku, and Aranmula Kannadi.
1997
National Merit Award
from the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and was awarded by K R Narayanan, President of India.
1994
State Award 1993
from Handicraft Development Corporation of Kerala (HDCK) in 1994 and was awarded by Governor B Rachaiah.
1993
Honored at the Silver Jubilee Celebration
of Handicraft Development Corporation of Kerala in 1993.
He made the first and largest entirely handmade Aranmula Kannadi, with a total height of 27.7 inches and an 18-inch metal mirror. It is a wall-hanging model. The mirror was crafted by him, along with three artisans, who were also our relatives, working with him at the time. It was made in the early 1990s, before 1996, in our own workshop situated next to our house.
Creating large Aranmula Metal Mirrors is challenging. He attempted to make several, approximately 12 large mirrors, and only two were completed successfully. One, slightly smaller than this, was sold, while the other remains with the family. The entire process of making the metal mirror was done completely by hand, using traditional methods without any machinery.
He participated in government exhibitions nationally and internationally such as “Dilli Haat” organised by New Delhi Tourism, “Surajkund International Mela” organised by Haryana Tourism, “Saras Fairs” by the Ministry of Rural Development, and other exhibitions organised by Central Government and Craft Museums. These exhibitions helped greatly to propagate the artistic value of the Aranmula metal mirror, making its presence admired all over the world.
Photo Credit: Prof. Sharada Srinivasan
His wife, Ponnammal K. G., began assisting him in the making of the Aranmula Kannadi after their marriage. She continues the tradition today, working alongside their daughter, Sudhammal, and grandsons, Niranjan and Govardhan.
His Daughter
Sudhammal J
Sudhammal is the first woman to independently practice Aranmula Metal Mirror-making
Sudhammal J, daughter of the late M. S. Janardhanan Achary and Ponnammal K. G., has carried forward the ancestral tradition and specialises in the handcrafted making of the Aranmula metal mirror. Sudhammal is the first woman to independently practice Aranmula Metal Mirror-making.
She holds a Craftsman Identity card issued by the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. She keeps the family tradition alive and strong with her skilled craftsmanship, making her one of the most respected Aranmula metal mirror artisans in the country. She helped her father in metal mirror-making from a young age. Sudhammal was a teacher and an artist. After her father’s demise, she has been completely focused on the metal mirror.
A mirror made by Sudhammal and the rest of the family was showcased at the Asian Bronze exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, held from 27 September 2024 to 12 January 2025.
Sudhammal has been featured in various media and publications, including Business Insider, KK Create, Rijksmuseum (Netherlands), Kerala Tourism, The New Indian Express, The Hindu, Safari TV, and Mathrubhumi Yathra travel magazine.
Metal Mirror Marvel of Aranmula
by Prof. Sharada Srinivasan
Photo Credit: Prof. Sharada Srinivasan