
Aranmula Kannadi (Image Courtesy: Kerala Tourism)
Mirrors and their process of making have always piqued the curiosity of historians. In the past, artisans used metals or their alloys to make mirrors. However, with the invention of glass, metal mirror-making practices began to disappear, and only a few practices survived.
One such metal mirror-making practice has been preserved zealously by the artisans in Aranmula (a village in Pathanamthitta, Kerala).
History and legends associated with Aranmula Kannadi
Known for its exquisite designs, the origins of the mirror can be linked to Parthasarathy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Parthasarathy temple in Aranmula is one of the five sacred shrines of Kerala. According to local legends, some bronze craftsmen had migrated from Sankarankovil in Tamil Nadu to Aranmula. The then Raja of Aranmula threatened their eviction because these artisans had become lazy. A widow named Parvati Ammal came to the rescue of the artisans. In her dream, Lord Krishna revealed the making of a rare reflecting metal. Using this reflecting metal, the artisans made a crown for the king. The king, pleased with their efforts, ordered them to make mirrors with the same metal.

Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy temple (Image Courtesy: Kerala Tourism)

A child looking at his reflection (Image Courtesy: aanavandi.org)
How is Aranmula Kannadi different from glass mirrors?
The reflective properties of Aranmula Kannadi are extraordinary and remarkably different from modern mirrors. Unlike contemporary back-surface mirrors made from a thin sheet of glass, Aranmula Kannadi is a metal mirror made from a special alloy. These metal mirrors have front surface reflection, eliminating secondary reflections and preventing distortion of images.
How to identify counterfeits?
In the era of mass-produced glass mirrors, identifying an original Aranmula Kannadi is difficult. Duplicate versions are available in the markets. Hence, purchasing these metal mirrors directly from artisans or government-authorised sellers is necessary to ensure authenticity.
However, there is a simple trick to identify a fake Aranmula Kannadi.
- Take a pen and place it on the surface of an ordinary glass mirror. A gap will appear between the image of the pen and the mirror surface.
- However, in the case of the Aranmula Kannadi, the gap between the image of the pen and the mirror does not exist.
Making of Aranmula Kannadi: A mix of science and tradition
Despite technological advancements, the makers of Aranmula Kannadi still use traditional methods and locally sourced raw materials to create the Aranmula Kannadi. Practice, focus and patience are requisite for making a single mirror piece.
A step-by-step method of making the Aranmula Kannadi-
- Preparation of alloy- Artisans ingeniously prepare a binary copper-tin alloy to make these metal mirrors. The ratio of metals used to make the alloy is a closely guarded secret among the artisans. Only those who inherited this craft from their families know the alloy formula.
- Creation of moulds (crucibles)- A mixture of pottery dust, jute and mud is prepared to make two clay disc-shaped moulds. The hollow cup-shaped neck of these moulds holds the alloy.
Image Courtesy: D’source
- Drying the moulds for 3-4 days.
- Once the moulds are dried, wet charcoal coating is applied to fill the pores.
- The alloy is placed into the hollow cup-shaped neck .
Image Courtesy: D’source
- A fresh layer of clay is coated on the mould to seal it.
- In a downward position, these crucibles are heated in a furnace. Coconut husks and charcoal are added to the fire to keep the fire ignited.
Image Courtesy: D’source
- Once the alloy melts, the crucible is tipped over, allowing the alloy to fill the gap.
- The hot crucible is cooled down using wet clay.
- With the help of hammers, the crucibles are broken, and the metal cast is removed carefully.
- Once removed, the metal casts are cut into the required shape.
- However, these metal casts undergo intensive rounds of polishing to gain the desired reflective surface. Various materials like wet sandpaper and coconut oil are used for polishing purposes.
- The brass frames to hold the mirrors are also made by artisans through a sand-casting process. These frames are hand-chiselled into the required designs.
Image Courtesy: ETV Bharat
- The polished mirror is mounted on the brass frame using homemade glue. Wax, sand and natural adhesive are heated in fixed ratios to create the glue.
- The mirrors undergo a few more rounds of polishing with coconut oil and velvet cloth for their final appearance.
In a research study titled- Mirrors: Metal mirrors from India, published in the Encyclopedia of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine in Non-Western Cultures (Vol.2), its author Sharada Srinivasan provides a detailed explanation of the alloy proportions and process involved in making these unique mirrors.
In 2008, Sharada Srinivasan directed a documentary called Metal Mirror Marvel of Aranmula, chronicling the process of making Aranmula Kannadi in the workshop of master craftsman Gopukumar Achary.
Types of Aranmula Kannadi
- Back Stand
Aranmula Kannadi with back stand (Image Courtesy: Mannar Craft)
- Fixed Stand
Aranmula Kannadi with fixed stand (Image Courtesy: https://aranmulakannadi.net/collections/fixed-stand-mirror-peeda-kannadi)
- Hand-held (also called Val Kannadi)
Val Kannadi (Image Courtesy: My Kerala Shop)
Among these types, the Val Kannadi is the most popular type.
Religious Significance
Many people believe keeping an Aranmula Kannadi would bring good luck. For this reason, people also gift these metal mirrors during weddings. In Namboothiri Brahmins and the Nair families, the Aranmula Kannadi is one of 8 auspicious articles of ashtamangalyam set (part of wedding trousseau).

Importance of Aranmula Kannadi in Vishu Kani (Image Courtesy: https://aranmulakannadi.org/)
Current Scenario
Like any other traditional craft, the future of Aranmula Kannadi is at risk. In a world driven by technology and mass production, the art of creating this mirror is fading away. However, artisans and even the government are putting in efforts towards its preservation. The Viswabrahmana Aranmula Kannadi Nirman Society requested the Geographical Indicator (GI tag). In 2005, Aranmula Kannadi received the GI tag.

Sudhammal, a third-generation craftsperson with her son, making Aranmula Kannadi (Image Courtesy: Down to Earth)
Whether revered for its craftsmanship or cultural significance, the Aranmula Kannadi is considered a marvel in the annals of metallurgy. And to own an Aranmula Kannadi is not just to possess a mirror but to hold a piece of timeless tradition and a symbol of prosperity.

Image Courtesy: Madhumita Nandi