Kerala, historically known as Keralam, is an Indian state in South India on the Malabar coast. It is spread over 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi), it is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. With 33,387,677 inhabitants as per the 2011 Census, Kerala is the thirteenth largest state by population and is divided into 14 districts with the capital being Thiruvananthapuram. Malayalam is the most widely spoken language and is also the official language of the state. Varied forms of handicrafts like the Murals, Aranmula Kannadi, Coir crafts etc are popular.

Aranmula kannadi (mirror) is a handmade metal-alloy mirror, made in Aranmula, a village in the state of Kerala, India. Unlike the normal 'silvered' glass mirrors, being a metal-alloy mirror, it is a front surface reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors. The exact metals used in the alloy are unknown to people and is maintained as a Vishwakarma family secret; however metallurgists suggest the alloy to be a mix of copper and tin. It is then polished for several days in a row to achieve their reflective surface. They are considered one among the eight auspicious items or ÔÇ£ashtamangalyamÔÇØ that make up a Kerala brideÔÇÖs trousseau.

These unique metal mirrors are the result of Kerala's rich cultural and metallurgical traditions, and have great historical and cultural value and are even considered to bring good luck. Produced by a single extnded family in Aranmula, the origins of the Aranmula kannadi are linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Legend has it that eight families of experts in temple arts and crafts were brought by the royal chief to Aranmula from Tirunelveli district to work in the Parthasarathy temple centuries ago on the mirrors.