The Hindu : Kerala News : A tradition fading into oblivion

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 04, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

A tradition fading into oblivion

OUT OF VOGUE: Traditional umbrellas do not have many takers now.

Cherthalla: Once the pride of Kerala's artisan community, the ancient art of umbrella making is gradually becoming extinct, with no takers for the tedious work and next-to-nil returns.

Made of palm leaves and bamboo, these umbrellas held great significance for the user at one time. They were symbols of social status too. But the artisans and their art are fast becoming extinct owing to cheap, low cost plastic umbrellas taking their place.

The traditional way of making these umbrellas is not known to the younger generation. The process of making these umbrellas requires a lot of hard work and the returns are very less, which is hardly acceptable to youngsters.

One of a few artisans left is P. Vellayudhan who, at the age of 82, is still continuing with this profession.

A resident of Pannavalli village in Alappuzha, Mr. Vellayudhan has made thousands of such umbrellas since he first began at the age of 22.

"Around 40 years back my father used to make umbrellas for schoolchildren, I learnt this technique from my father as one cannot make or learn this on his own, one should have deep interest and a mind to work hard for it," said Mr. Vellayudhan.

He laments the younger generation's lack of interest in preserving this ancient art form. "Except me, I don't think there is anyone left who knows how to make these umbrellas. Everyone left as the job requires a lot of strain and hard work, one has to travel far to get palm leaves and other materials after paying huge amount, and if at all one takes the entire strain the returns are very less," he added.

Making just one umbrella requires at least two weeks.

Known as panaolla kuda, it is made of palm leaf. The cost of an umbrella ranges between Rs.500 and Rs.600. Now, these umbrellas are used primarily in temples and during annual festivals. It can withstand all weather conditions and last for 15 to 20 years.

Umbrellas were made from another variety of palm, called kuda pana. There were different types of umbrellas kalan kuda, mara kuda, thopi kuda and kundan kuda.

Old-timers said these umbrellas had a long bamboo handle, of which the length increased according to the dignity of the person carrying it.

It was further stipulated that it should be carried with the end of the handle in the palm of the hand and the arm stretched down at full length. After the British rule, the natural umbrella gave way to the European black umbrella. — ANI

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