Kerala mural art, a traditional and distinctive form of painting, has its roots in Kerala state located in India's southwest. Kerala mural art, with its vivid colors, intricate patterns, and religious themes is an important part of the artistic and cultural heritage of the area. Kerala mural art is found primarily in temples and churches, but also in palaces and palaces. It has a long history dating back to centuries.
History
Kerala mural art dates back to the Chera Dynasty, between the 8th and 10th centuries. During the medieval period, especially from the 14th-16th centuries, this art form was developed and patronized in a significant way. The murals were painted on the walls of temples that were built under various rulers' patronage during this time.
Mural painting was heavily influenced by the Bhakti Movement, which stressed devotional worship as well as the depiction and stories of deities and religious stories. Kerala mural art has evolved over the centuries with the contribution of different schools and artists. It incorporates local styles and techniques.
Characteristics and Themes
Kerala mural art is known for its vibrant colors, intricate details, and use of natural pigments. Hindu mythology is the predominant theme, with scenes from epics like the Mahabharata and Puranas. Some of the common features are:
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Mythological Figures : The murals depict scenes and stories from the lives of gods and goddesses such as Vishnu and Shiva. The figures are rendered in a dynamic and graceful manner, capturing the divine and heroic qualities.
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Narrative style: Murals are often narrative, and tell stories by connecting panels. This style works well in temples, where the devotees are able to follow the story as they walk around the sanctum.
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Iconography and Symbolism The murals contain a wealth of symbolism. Various motifs and symbols are used to represent various aspects of the Divine and the Cosmos. The lotus, for example, is a symbol of purity and divinity.
Techniques and Materials
Kerala murals are created traditionally using natural pigments and materials. This practice has been handed down from generation to generation. The process is divided into several stages:
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Surface Preparation: First, the walls are prepared by applying a base layer of lime plaster. The surface will be polished and smoothed to make a canvas suitable for painting.
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Outline The design is drawn on the surface prepared using a preliminary outline. This step is essential for ensuring that the figures are placed correctly and in proportion.
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Colors The colors in Kerala murals come from natural sources, such as minerals and extracts of plants. Red (from red oxide), Yellow (from yellow soil), Green (from green soil), Blue (from indigo) and White (from lime) are some of the most common colors. These pigments can be mixed with natural binders such as coconut water, sap from certain trees or even tender coconut water to make durable paints.
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Detailing : The painting is built in layers. It starts with lighter shades and adds darker ones. The fine details are done with brushes made of natural fibers, usually animal hair.
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Preservation and Polishing : The painting is polished to bring out its shine. A final coat of varnish or oil is traditionally applied to protect a mural from the weather.
Exemples and sites prominently displayed
Kerala has many temples, churches, and palaces that have exquisite murals. The most famous examples are:
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Mattancherry Palace in Kochi : This palace, also known as the Dutch Palace or Dutch Palace, houses some of Kerala's finest mural art. These murals depict scenes from Hindu epics and the Ramayana, showing the excellence of art at the time.
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Vadakkumnathan Temple , Thrissur This ancient Shiva Temple is renowned for the extensive and well preserved murals that tell stories about Shiva, Parvati and other deities.
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Pundarikapuram temple, Kottayam : This temple is known for its murals, which depict episodes from the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana. It's a testament to Kerala muralists' skill and dedication.
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St. St. George Orthodox Church in Kadamattom, Kerala: This is one of many Kerala churches that feature murals. It combines Christian themes and traditional Kerala mural styles to depict scenes from Christ's life and the lives of saints.
Relevance and Revival in Contemporary Times
Kerala mural art has seen a revival in recent decades both in India and abroad. This revival has been influenced by several factors:
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Support from Government and Institutions The Kerala government has taken initiatives with cultural organizations to promote and preserve mural art. Workshops, exhibitions and training programs have been organized to preserve the tradition and train new generations.
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Education: The Guruvayur Devaswom Institute of Mural Painting offers formal education and training in traditional mural painting techniques. This helps to maintain the craft and ensure that the skills are transmitted.
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Modern Adaptations : Contemporary artists explore new ways to adapt the traditional mural techniques for modern contexts. Murals are being used in public places, urban environments, and on canvas. This makes the art form accessible to a broader audience.
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Cultural tourism: Kerala is known for its rich cultural heritage. This includes the mural art. It attracts tourists around the globe. The market has been created for smaller-scale reproductions that tourists can buy and take home.
The conclusion of the article is:
Kerala mural art is an enduring and vibrant tradition that reflects a rich cultural heritage and religion of the region. The intricate designs, vibrant colors and deep themes of Kerala mural art continue to inspire audiences and artists. Kerala's ongoing efforts to promote and preserve this art form will ensure that it is a part of the state's culture, and also allow it to adapt and evolve to modern times. Kerala mural art will continue to be a symbol for artistic excellence and pride in the culture through education, public awareness, and institutional support.
