Crafts
Reflecting a tradition
VIJAY GEORGE
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The making of the metal mirrors of Aranmula has been a closely guarded secret for centuries.
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PHOTO: SHAJU JOHN
MIRROR FINISH: Craftsmen at work in Aranmula.
IT is that intriguing mix about which the world has no real clues. Perhaps the enigma that surrounds the closely guarded secret, which only the family inherits, has only added to its fame. Even for others who are not aware of the mystery surrounding mainly the contents used in its making, the elegance of the metal mirror from Aranmula, "Aranmula Kannadi" as it is popularly known in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, has been luring for quite a long time now.
The widely accepted history behind the origin of the mirror is as engrossing as the "secrecy" surrounding the making of it. Aranmula is well known for the legendary Parthasarathy temple and also for the Vallamkali (boat race) held on the Uthrattathi day of the Malayalam month Chingam, when decorated palliyodams race as part of a ritual, annually.
Nearly four centuries ago, the legend goes, the then ruler of Aranmula sought the help of some craftsmen from Tamil Nadu to craft some designs for the temple. When the ruler was miffed by their lazy nature, the craftsmen had to do something worthwhile to appease him and some time later they presented him a crown which had an amazing power of reflection. Soon the craftsmen used the same technique to design a mirror. After a few alterations, which happened as time went by, the hugely popular valkkannadi took its shape.
Astounding clarity
The kannadi is made using white lead and copper as the main ingredients. It is fixed on brass frames. The specialty of Aranmula Kannadi is that though it resembles the ordinary glass mirror in its looks, the clarity of the image gives it a distinguishing edge. As the images are being reflected from the surface, no refraction happens as in the usual glass mirrors, where the images will be reflected from the mercury coated surface inside the glass, according to those in the business.
There are certain things to be kept in mind if you decide to own the mirror though. The mirrors are to be kept under normal room temperature, away from heat and dust. Never touch the reflective surface and finger prints, if any, have to be wiped off, almost immediately, using red oxide powder.
Those in the business say that from the early 1980s onwards, the demand for the mirrors has gone up several folds. Many regard the presence of an Aranmula mirror in their pooja rooms as something sacred. Popularly accepted as a highly valuable gift and in wedding ceremonies, where it is part of the ashtamangalyam, the valkkannadi has been in great demand in recent times.
"During old times, we used to make mirrors especially for the royal families, but now the antique value of the kannadi entices both the locals and foreigners alike," says M.S. Janardhanan Asari, who has been in the profession for around 50 years now. The craftsmen sell the mirrors to certain government institutions and traders, besides of course to individual buyers.
According to some of the old-timers, new and intricate designs have added to the beauty of the mirror now. "This is a craft which requires a lot of patience and concentration. All the efforts can go in vain, if it breaks down during the moulding process. But there is no life beyond this for craftsmen like us who have been in this right from our childhood," says Janardhanan Asari. Though he says that it's highly strenuous, he doesn't feel it is hazardous for the craftsmen's health.
Keepers of the secret
TREASURED: The mirror is gifted on auspicious occasions.
There are only about half a dozen "actual descendants" who have their units in Aranmula, according to P. Gopakumar of Aditi Handicrafts, obviously one of them. He says that, theoretically a single unit can at best produce up to a hundred pieces of varying sizes in a month, with the help of enough labourers, if they work continuously in a disciplined manner. "But the numbers could be much less in actual practice," say the craftsmen in chorus.
Based on the diametrical size of the mirror, the prices could start somewhere in the region of Rs.300 for a basic model and go all the way up to Rs.75, 000 for one piece. Still, those involved in the business state that it's almost a break-even business, considering the costs of making a mirror.
"There are several factors that are crucial in its making. The climatic conditions are absolutely important and also the presence of skilled workers. The prices of white lead and copper, which are the two main ingredients in its making has been shooting up," says K.P. Asokan of Sree Krishna Handicrafts Centre, a graduate who has also completed an electronics course.
Assured continuity
The younger generations in the family are also showing an interest in learning the craft and getting into the making of this "exclusive" mirror, says Gopakumar. Most of the units have family members working in the making of the mirror. The women in the household lend a helping hand too. The craftsmen are all based in Aranmula, as most of those who buy the mirror are really particular to buy it from the place where it was originally made. Newer technologies might have altered perceptions and lifestyles as times have changed for sure, but the appeal of the metal mirrors from picturesque Aranmula still remains intact.
Courtesy:
The Quest Features and Footage
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