Aranmula kannadi – a different make of mirror

Aranmula, a small village slowly developing into a town, in Alappuzha district of Kerala is not just a village. It is known for the famous Vallam Kali (Boat race)conducted every year during Onam festival time (on Uthrattathi day). Thousands of people from all over the country, and even from outside, gather there to witness that competitive race, which is specific to Kerala.

Aranmula is also known as the abode of famous Sreekrishna temple (Partha sarathy temple). Historically, it is believed that the idol of Sreekrishna in this temple was installed by Arjuna, the Middle-most of the five brothers (Pandavas). This temple is situated on the banks of Pampa river.

Another major reason for bringing the name Aranmula into the general attention is Aranmula Kannadi, a typical mirror made locally. The major difference from other mirrors is that this is not made from usual glass. It is made from a metallic compound. It is almost like the bell metal. But the proportion of copper and lead is different.

There are only a couple of families in Aranmula who know the correct combination of metals and the technique of making the mirror using it.

It is believed that in the past the families making the oil lamps and utensils for the worship in the temple could not attend to these works and meet the requirements of the temple properly. The King was not happy with them because of this. So, for getting back the consideration and recognition of the King the members of these families tried several new techniques and made more attractive utensils. During these attempts a pot made and polished showed the reflection property.

From this they got the inspiration to make mirrors using the particular combination. However, they further worked on it came out with better results. Now the proportion of copper and lead is taken as 40:21. This proportion of lead is about one and a half times more than the usual proportion used in bell metal. The metallic mirror, after having cast, is polished with rice husk and vegetable oil. Decorative metallic frames also will be fixed before taking to the market.

The correct mixing procedure and related materials used are kept as a trade secret by the makers of the mirror. Hence the original Aranmula mirror is available only here. Aranmula Kannadi is a piece of attraction, which is very often chosen as an item for presentation on special occasions. Tourists also are attracted to this and very often go for owning at least one piece.