Aranmula Kannadi

The history of the Aranmula Kannadi lies across centuries, and its making is deeply rooted in the transcendence of tradition, the strength of devotion and purity of dedication. The Mangalathu family claims their rights in the making of the Aranmula mirror due to their expertise and tradition that has been passed down generations. The intricate and difficult secret to the creation of the Aranmula mirror was passed down from Shri Subrahmanian Achary to his son Shri Janardhanan Achary. Struck down by illness, when Shri Subrahmanian Achary lay bedridden, his son took the family vocation at a young age and excelled in the art, only to become an unparelled master craftsman. He spent most of his life engrossed in his craft, which he loved dearly and held close to his heart. He participated government exhibitions nationally, which led to find the market opportunity for these special mirrors. These exhibitions helped greatly to propagate the artistic value of the Aranmula mirror, making its presence admired all over the world. Awards 1) 1993 State Award-Kerala Handicraft Development Corporation from governor B.Rachaiah(1994,dec 15,University Senet Hall,Thiruvananthapuram). 2) Awarded 1993 dec 22 (silver jubilee celebration of Handicraft Development Corporation of Kerala) at Karthika Thirunnal Theatre Thiruvananthapuram. 3) Awarded National Merit Award from former Indian President K R Narayanan. Sudhammal J has taken after the ancestral way and specializes in the traditional craft of Aranmula Metal Mirror. Sudhammal holds a Craftsman Identity card issued by Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is the daughter of Late Shri M S Janardhanan Achary(Master Craftsman) and Ponnammal. Taking after her father, Sudhammal keeps the family tradition alive and strong with her skilled craftsmanship, making her one of the most sought after Aranmula Metal Mirror craftsperson the country has seen. She has played a significant role in cultural societies and in Nehru Youth Centers. After her father’s demise, she has been completely focused on the mirror, actively carrying out the manufacturing of the mirror under the enterprise Sree Parthasarathy Handicrafts Mirror Center. The Aranmula Kannadi has received the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry from the Government of India. Sudhammal holds many government exhibitions nationally and internationally like IITF (India International Trade Fair-Delhi) and caters to a whole range of national and international clients. She has two sons- Niranjan and Govardhan.