Kerala Murals
A kerala mural is a painting
mainly seen on the walls, ceiling, of temples and palaces .It shows
the events of pre-historic times and many themes from indian mythology.
Kerala temples have a long history of fosteting culture… The cultural
life of the people was centered around the local temple. People
went there to listen to music, see plays, and attain peace sitting
under a banyan tree with its leaves rustling in the breeze and murmuring
the mantra of shanti.
Medieval artists in different parts of India were engaged in painting
and the medium, at that time, was the walls of temples, palaces,
and monuments. The subject of the wall painting used to be scenes
from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
In kerala, only a few of the wall painting in temples survive as
a reminder of the existence of this exquisite art form. Prominent
places were ancient murals exist are the Padsmana swamy Shine in
Thiruvananthapuram and the temples of Ettumanoor, Panaynarkavu and
Guruvayur. Mural also adorn old palaces such as those at Padmanabhapuram,
Krishnapuram and Mattancherry.
Kerala has a distinct temple culture. The rituals
inside kerala temples are unique. The architecture and sculptue
outside the temples is also distinct. The ceremonies too differ
from those of temples in other parts of the country as they are
performed with the accompaniment of special percussion instruments
like the chenda. The art works in temples like Kathakali and ottamthul
have no parallel as they have a truly distinct identity.
Sharp lines from the Skeletal support for the body
of kerala murals and this unique features makes it distinguished
and rich. Subjects for the murals are varied with gods, goddesses,
saints, kings, birds,animals,plants,trees,creepers and flowers all
in their natural splendour most commonly seen.
Murals are created on a meticulosuly prepared white surface. The
colours are made from natural substances of mineral or vegetable
orgin. For example red, brown and yellow pigments are made from
soft stone powdered and refined while green colour comes from the
leaves of herbs. Blue is derived from the indio plants. Black is
made from the carbon deposited while burnin a wick dipped in vegetable
oil. Even the brush is handmade from shoots of arrow grass deftly.tied
to a bomboo stick In short nothing is brought from shop.
Kerala murals have a long history to their credit. The history dates
back to the 16th century as discovered in the Edakkal Caves. Later
in the mid seventeenth century, the revival of the Bhakti movement,
gave a boost to mural art.
To Know more—————-
Kerala Murals, Artist, Murals, K.K Suresh
