Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala is noted for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna (Parthasarathy), and the Snake Boat Regatta held in the holy river Pampaandfor the metalic mirror (Aranmula Kannadi) .Aranmulaisa major tourism centre of Kerala.

The UNESCO has declared Aranmula as a global heritage village. But a unique object that has made the place world-famous and a symbol of craftmanship is the metal mirror.The Aranmula mirror, a wonder for all, resembles the metal mirrors which were in vogue among the Etruscans of Italy in 2000 BC, in Crete in 3000 BC, in Western Indiaabout 500 years ago and excavated from Mohan-Jodaro-Harappa in 1922.Four thousand years later, Aranmula is perhaps the only place where the metal mirror is made.The craft of making metal, mirrors, a combination of copper and white lead in right proportions, is now practised, and kept a secret preserve, by a few families of Viswakarmas.There are many stories related to the origin of these mirrors but one plausible story goes like this:

Four centuries ago, some Viswakarma families from Sankarankovil in Tamil Nadu were invited by the King for the construction of the Aranmula temple and for the making of pooja vessels, pooja lamps and other articles of bronze for the day-to-day use of the temple.The families were provided with all facilities including stay.But soon they became very lazy and the angry king withdrew the facilities being given to them.They wanted to please the king by presenting him with a crown.When the crown was being given the finishing touches, it was found to have the quality of reflection.Later,theyworked out the right ratios of the metals to be used in the making of the mirror.On the special request of the King, a mirror was made and it was presented to the then Maharaja of Travancore.In the early stages, the mirrors used to be enclosed in vermilion containers.As the time passed, they were made in the form of 'Valkannadis' which could be hanged on the walls and later on frames with stands.In 'Ashtamangalyam', a religious ritual, 'Valkannadi' is used as one of the eight pooja articles.It is also considered to be a sacred object during wedding ceremonies and for arranging 'Vishukkani'.

making other bronze items.Copper and white lead are mixed in a particular ratio, melted and poured into a clay mould and made into a non-reflecting metal object.The metal plank is then tightened with lac and put into a wooden frame.It is then placed on a surface on which a thick jute cloth is spread.Oil is applied on this.The object is then softened on this surface.The final touches are given with soft, velvet-like cloth.Afterwards they are fixed with lac in different brass frames.

Mirror-making is very costly because if the product is not handled with the utmost care, it might break.Whereas the reflection in mercury-filled glass is from the back, in Aranmula mirrors it comes from the very surface.Therefore we get refraction-free images from Aranmula mirrors.

The Rig Veda mention of metal mirrors is very significant.Prof. Macdonal describes the metal mirror mentioned in the Rig Veda as 'a softened metal used as a mirror'.Such mirrors were in use in Italy. The metal mirror excavated from a tomb of the shores of the Sindhu river at a place called Mahi is proof of the craftsmanship of the times.Bayer, the famous archaeologist, says that the metal mirrors discovered in 1970 from Novelishus in the Philippines reached there during the period when trade relations existed in Indiafor a long time before the Christian era.It was proof that these mirrors were used in India.Only seven families are said to know the method of making Aranmula mirrors. The product which has become a wonderful handicraft item from Indiain the foreign market, remains an important object to be presented to important people and a showpiece at exhibitions conducted in India and abroad.