Mural paintings~Thiruvananthapuram

Introduction:

Usage:

Since ancient times, humans started expressing and communicating their ideas, observations in various ways like for instance their day-to-day life observations on the surface of the cave, depicting mythological stories on walls, and later on the walls of the temple too. Humans have never stopped expressing themselves right from the stone age period to the present day. The only major change that can be seen is the form of expressing it, which has changed since ages. But observing the surrounding environment, learning from it and expressing it has remained the same since ages.

In this art form, mural paintings were earlier done on the walls of the temples. Prominent illustrations of Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Ganesha in various personifications were generally depicted. Besides that, in course of time, as the art form started flourishing under the patronage of various rulers of Kerala, it was soon depicted on walls of royal households and palaces. The significant examples of this are the Pallimanna Shiva temple with various illustrations describing about Ramyana on the walls of the Mattancherry Palace, The Padmanabhapuram Palace is decorated with murals portraying puranic themes from the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam has a panel of Gajendramoksham from the 18^th century era.

Now, the usage of this art form has slowly changed. Artists are now making use of canvas to paint the murals. Not only that, recently designer sarees have been introduced in Kerala, where the pallu of these sarees are decorated with the traditional murals of Kerala.

Significance:

During earlier days, the mural painting artists used murals to portray especially Hindu deities and moral themes. Mural paintings were earlier inspired from Hindu mythology. The painters used specific techniques to create these murals. They made use of six colours: white, black, yellow, green and red. All of these colours were made from minerals and plant materials. They made use of these colours in different contexts to make the paintings more unique, alive and interesting. For instance, the colour red was used to represent and describe wealth and strength. Green was used to represent gods and black for devils and monsters.

It is believed that, in order to experience the aesthetic side of mural painting of Kerala, one needs to comprehend the coherent relationship it shares with the architecture of the region’s temples. Earlier, temples were constructed in adherence to the instructions and philosophy found in ‘Kularnava Tantra’ (a primary tantric text), whose mystical verses says that the human body is equivalent to a temple and that Sadashiva or Paramatma is the main deity of this temple. Thus, acting as a physical-world body for the deity, the temple’s design encompasses the whole body. The temple’s inner sanctum sanctorum, which represents as an independent structure within the temple complex, is considered as the head of the deity, while the statue or yantra of the god which resides within it is the essence of the deity: a connection to the god’s inner form and spirit. The murals are illustrated on the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, beautifully blending with the elaborate wood carvings decorating the roof. These murals are worshipped along with the murti (deity). The murals in the temple are characterized by highly stylized figures of gods and goddesses, richly embellished with flora and fauna, delicate strokes and vibrant colours. However, in today’s time, the murals of Kerala are considered much more than just a way to represent mythological stories and folk tales as per the artist’s fancy and imagination. The iconography of these mural paintings is said to be solely based on Dhyana Slokas, a collection of over 2,000 verses of invocatory sacred text which defines in detail nine rasas (emotions), embellishments, weapons, vehicles, proportions and colour schemes. The purpose behind this was to manifest the Deity’s form in the artist’s mind, enabling the creation of this devotional art. For style and technique, the painters have adhered to the classical texts Shilpa Ratna. This encyclopedic text served as a guidebook for all Kerala muralists. It describes the preparation of pigments and brushes, application of plaster on the walls, sketching methods, primary colour palette and stances of figures. All these aspects are explained at length in this Sanskrit text. The text also elaborates on the science of iconography. For example, precise proportions are defined for each form. This thus explains why a particular deity will have the same proportions throughout all the temple murals in Kerala.

In today’s time, the contemporary artists of mural painting diligently still follow traditional guidelines. However, the paintings done are no longer drawn on temple walls. They now also make use of canvas, paper, clay and cloth. Despite the fusion between classical and contemporary expression, the indigenous art style is still known and referred to as ‘mural art of Kerala’.

Myths & Legends:

Kerala’s one of the age old artforms that is completely based upon depicting only myths and legends is mural paintings which makes this art form unique and stand out from other art forms of this state. This art form is an exceptional work of art depicting mostly Hindu mythology. Various scenes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are depicted through this art form. These paintings are depicted in a highly stylized version of gods, with elongated lips, wide open eyes and exaggerated eyebrows which is said that it can be compared to forms depicted in the classical theater of Kerala. Apart from these epics, other legends, myths and lore come alive on walls and now on canvas by depicting myriad themes inspired from for instance Dhyana slokas. Most of these paintings are picturisation drawn from the descriptions in the verses of ‘Dhyana Slokas’. Some of these verses are mentioned below-

सर्वोपनिषदो गावो दोग्धा गोपालनन्दनः।
पार्थो वत्सः सुधीर्भोक्ता दुग्धं गीतामृतं महत्

The above verse means that the Upanishads are the cows milked by Gopāla, the son of Nanda, and Arjuna is the calf. Wise and pure men drink the milk, the supreme, immortal nectar of the Gita. While another verse goes that,

मूकं करोति वाचालं पङ्गुं लंघयते गिरिम् |
यत्कृपा तमहं वन्दे परमानन्द माधवम्

The above verse means that I bow down to Sri Krishna, the source of all joy, whose compassion brings speech from the lips of the dumb and carries the lame over mountains.

It is also believed that this art of mural paintings of Kerala is said to be evolved from ancient Dravidian ritual like Kalamezhuthu which means the art of drawing on the floor with colours. It is said that, the colours used for painting murals are believed to be symbolic which are based on the qualities of Rajasam, Tamasam and Satvikam.

History:

The earliest paintings in India had been found in primitive caves and rock shelters such as Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) and Ajantha caves. The term ‘mural’ is said to be derived from the Latin word ‘murus’, meaning wall. Murals refer to the paintings illustrated on visual components like the wall, ceiling and other long-lasting surfaces. The mural paintings of Kerala stand out for their prominence in clarity, beauty and symmetry with an unmatchable linear accuracy. It is believed that these paintings belong to a distinguishable lineage with its tradition carrying influences from Ajanta. The tradition of painting on walls began in Kerala with the pre-historic rock paintings found in the Anjanad valley of Idukki district. Archaeologists presume that these paintings belong to different periods from upper Paleolithic period to early historic period. Rock engravings dating to the Mesolithic period have also been discovered in two regions, at Edakkal in Wayanad district and at Perimkadavila in Thiruvanathapuram district of Kerala.

The scriptural basis of mural paintings can be found in Sanskrit text: ‘Chitrasutram’, which is a text about 1500 years old, containing 287 short verses in nine chapters. It is considered that there is no other book as detailed as the Chitrasutram. It answers all the questions about the purpose of the painting, what a painting is, its relationship with the painter and other arts. Earliest evidence of mural paintings of Kerala can be found in Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple established in 9^th century. The mural paintings on this temple are considered as the oldest relics of Kerala’s own styles of murals. The other masterpieces of Kerala mural art consist: the Shiva Temple in Ettumanoor, the Ramayana murals of Mattacherry palace, Vadakkunnathan temple in Trichur, Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram. These traditional mural paintings flourished under the patronage of various rulers of Kerala. However, this art form suffered tremendously under British administration. After India gained Independence in 1947, a revival of Kerala mural art form took place. One of the chief contributors to this revival project was the school established by Guruvayur Devaswom Board, ‘Centre for Study of Mural Paintings’, in the Thrissur district of Kerala.

Design:

In mural paintings, mostly hindu deities, its various forms and mythological stories are depicted. However, now forms have started changing. Mural paintings are now not restricted only towards depicting deities. The artists consider these paintings as a process of documentation. Thus, they have started depicting different stories of ayurvedic processes, different styles and mudras of traditional dance forms. The backdrop of these paintings was usually embellished with fauna and flora and other aspects of nature. To decorate these murals, pigments played a vital role. The primary colours used were ochre-yellow, Indian red, blue or indigo, black, green and white. Different deities were shown in different colours. This differentiation was based on the character of each deity as described in the literature. White colour was used to present satvauna (spiritual positive aspect) of the deity. Red colour was used to represent rajoguna (inclination towards power and materialistic wealth). Yellow colour was used to represent both rajoguna and satvaguna. Tamoguna (evil characters) were represented by using black colour. The shades of blue and green colour were used to represent a dharmic (righteous) character. The forms of the faces expressed in these mural paintings especially focusing on depiction of hindu deities, one can observe often the artists have depicted each deity differently but one thing which is common is the depiction of large eyes, the prominent ornamentation and its curvy circular art style form. Not only in depiction of hindu deities, but even the animals and different dance forms which are drawn are also prominently ornamented too.

There are few common themes and styles that were prevalent during earlier times which have been noted and observed by various researchers and scholars about mural paintings of Kerala. These themes and styles are given below:

Themes:
– The common themes are of different incarnations of Vishnu, Ganesha and manifestations of Lord Shiva.
– Characters and some scenes from Christian mythology.
– Few scenes from battle between the armies of Tipu Sultan and the English East India Company.
– Other common themes of Anantasayanan, Krishna with Gopis, Nataraja as Dakshinamurthi, Laxminarayan, Sastha on hunt etc.

Style:
The most prominent peculiarity of murals of Kerala is the process of making the pigments with indigenous colours. Each eye was elaborately decorated with colours. Shading was predominantly done with dots depending on the shading pattern. The backdrop of these paintings was always red in colour. It was then coated as per the required shade and was dotted with a mix of red and brown.

Challenges:

The mural paintings of Kerala have taken great popularity among the masses. However, the process, technique and even the canvas have now changed. From wall to thick cotton canvas and now to designer sarees: low quality, digital prints; from natural colours to using artificial colours and from handmade brushes to synthetic, somewhere in the course of time the value and respect of this original art form seems to have been lost.

Revival of this art form is the current need. Revival will help to preserve the old techniques and cultural heritage, traditional values which are so unique to the mural art form of Kerala. By spreading knowledge and making awareness about this art form can open doors to preservation of its great history and its restoration.

Introduction Process:

The mural painting of Kerala, follows an aesthetic appeal and is also considered as the most eco-friendly artform of Kerala. This art-form follows a few specific techniques that gives this art-form a traditional feel.

Raw Materials:

Colours: There are five fundamental colours currently used for painting on murals- colours made from mineral pigments, vegetables and fruits.
Black Colour –  oil is burnt and the smoke of the flame is collected on the inside surface of an earthen pot kept upside down over the flame.
Blue Colour – Indigo leaves are squeezed and squashed well to get the juice which is dried up for use.
Yellow and red Colour –  stones are separately recessed and the prepared pigment powders are separately stored. Yellow  contains various hydrate forms of iron oxide. Red contains 95% of ferric oxide.
White – Mixture of quick lime and the juice of very tender coconut.
These colours are blended in a wooden bowl along with a tender coconut water and extracts of the Neem tree.

Grinding Stone: mixture of different mineral  and leafs is thoroughly ground manually on a grinding stone (Ammi)

wall preparation: The wall for painting is prepared by applying first various types of coatings for a durable, robust and clear layout. The raw materials used for making mural paintings of Kerala are as follows:
-Plaster: consisting of lime and sand.
-Water
-Juice extracts of Kadukka (mussels) and burnt husk.
-Neem tree extracts
-Tender coconut water
-Turmeric powder
-Acrylic paints
-Soot
Brush & mixing palette: 
-A wooden bowl for colour mixing
– Iyyampullu or Kuntalipullu (Arrow grass or Elephant grass), today many Artist use readily available brush

Pencil: is called, Kittalekhini is prepared by grinding a black stone and mixing it with cow dung.

Tools & Tech:

The mural painting tradition of Kerala follows the frescobuono technique in which the paintings are done on a prepared wall surface. In such a type of painting, there are two essential components: first is the plastered wall surface and the second one is the paint itself. It is said that, initially, the mural tradition of Kerala generally carries five colours: red, yellow, black, green and white and hence it is called as panchavarna (five-coloured). White forms the surface colour of the wall itself while all the other colours are obtained from minerals and plants. These pigments play a vital role in painting murals. The colours used for painting the murals are made using the traditional grinding tool. And the brush which is used is made from elephant grass locally called ‘Kuntalipullu’.

There are few traditional techniques that were followed for painting on the murals. The traditional technology of drawing mythical figures on the floor was called Dhleechitramor powder drawing by using natural pigments called Kalam (Kalamezhuthu). There are six traditional techniques considered for the painting:
Step 1: Lekhya Karma-This stage is sketching by using a pencil or a crayon.
Step 2: Rekha Karma– In this stage, outlines are made on the sketches drawn in step 1.
Step 3: Varna Karma– In this stage, painting is done depending on human figures, characters, and common qualities. The green pigment was usually used to represent the divine and noble characters called ‘Saatvik’. Shades of red colour were used to represent the power and wealth called as ‘Raajasik’. While lowly mean characters called as ‘Tamasik’ were generally represented in white and black colours. The brushes used traditionally were made from tails of muskrats and delicate blades of grass.
Step 4: Vartana Karma– In this stage shading is done.
Step 5: Lekha Karma– In this stage final outlines are used for painting usually black colour.
Step 6: Dvika Karma– This is the final stage where the finishing touches are done.
On completion of all these steps, the mural was then offered ‘pooja’ and it was then worshiped with ritual songs.

Apart from this, there are few traditional techniques followed for painting on the wall. These techniques are given below:
-The first stage i.e sketching on the wall was done by using a cow dung ash mixed with coconut water. While the outline was done with cow dung pencils called ‘Kittalekhini’.
-For the outlining, grass blades and tree roots were commonly used. It worked as a brush.
-The shading was very aptly colourized by symbolizing the characteristics separately for character.
-To paint usually first lighter colours were applied like starting from yellow, red, green, blue and then brown. Earlier, white colour was only used to represent the white spaces prevailing which were retained during the initial coating. The painting was then at the last stage i.e after finishing stage, it was over-coated with pine resin and oil for protection and sheen.

However, in course of time, this artform slowly transformed with readily available brushes which are purchased from the commercial market and shading of the original colours can be now easily differentiated. There is now a shift observed from painting on the walls to asbestos, plywood, cloth, paper and other frames.

Rituals:

process:

Preparation of wall: A mixture of crushed sand and limestone is first stored for about three to four days. There are usually three steps towards the preparation of the wall:

-First Stage-In this stage, the mixture of lime, juice of Kadukka (mussels), sand, water and molasses solution is blended with water and molasses solution. It is mixed well and this rough plaster is then evenly applied on the wall.
-Second Stage- In this stage, ground cotton is added for plastering. Each stage of mixture is half an inch thickness. During the drying process, the application is repeated until it is of 2mm thickness. Over this mortar, tender coconut water and lime (white) is applied to gain a whitish appearance which acts as a primer to the wall.

Preparation of colours: The colours used are indigenously obtained from the extracts of the leaves, roots and stones. For preparation of colours, the artisans still use the traditional method with few changes. These colours are blended in a wooden bowl. For painting on a mural: the artisans generally start first by drawing the scene in focus, then this drawing gets a first coat of filling with colours. Once the filling with natural colours is done then starts the shading of the painting focusing on the detailing of the colours and the different forms depicted in the painting. Here, it should be noted that in the process of making mural paintings, the eyes of any form depicted may be any hindu dieties or any human being performing dance form, the eyes are painted at the end after the shading and detailing process of the entire painting.

Generally in the mural paintings lighter colours are used in an order of yellow, red, green, blue and brown. Green colour is obtained from extracts of a local plant called Aruvikkara which is a mixture of dried and powdered red leaves of Neela Amari (Indigofera) and Aruvikkara leaves (yellow in colour). Yellow colour is obtained from turmeric powder or either from fine ground laterite stones. Red colour is obtained from minerals like a mixture of turmeric powder and mixture of lime while black and white colours are obtained from the soot of the sesame oil collected from a burnt husk and from lime respectively. These colours are used in different proportions depending on the design and painting.

After shading, the black colour is used to delineate and bring life to the portrayal. After painting is done, it is coated with pine resin and oil for protection.

Waste:

No waste

Cluster Name: Thiruvananthapuram

Introduction:

History:

The district of Thiruvananthapuram has a long and rich history. It was a flourishing trade center and specially as the capital of Travancore. It is said that Poovar port was an ancient port in Thiruvananthapuram, which had trading links with ancient Greece and Rome. It is littered with the remnants of the past, the most prominent being the ‘Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple’. It is believed that the rulers of Travancore ruled their kingdom by the name of the presiding deity of Thiruvananthapuram. The kings of Travancore left their impact on this region and it can be felt to this day through many temples, monuments and palaces as well as modernization of the city in the early 20^th century. Known as ‘Trivandrum’ till 1991, the city’s original name of Thiruvananthapuram was restored to it thereafter. In the 12^th century, the kingdom of Venad emerged and ruled this region till the 16^th century. Trade prospered and the importance of this region grew further. The kingdom of Venad then merged with the Kingdom of Travancore, which had gained prominence. In the 18th century, it was then finally succeeded by the latter with the ascension of Maratha Varma. Maratha Varma ruled this region from 1706 to 1758 transforming Travancore, which till then extended only from Attingal to Kanyakumari. Maratha Varma modernized the kingdom and strengthened the naval fleet. Travancore’s northern limits were soon expanded and forays south by the Zamorin of Calicut were repelled. Maratha Varma later signed treaties with Cochin, Quilon and Kanyakulam. By the time of his death, the limits of this region covered all of today’s southern Kerala and most of central Kerala. He was then succeeded by Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma. The impact of Maratha Varma on Thiruvananthapuram region was long lasting. He shifted the capital to the city from Padhmanabhapuram and rebuilt the Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple which was in ruins. In 1759, the kingdom was itself offered to Lord Padmanabhaswamy.

During the 16^th century, this region came under British influence. The first fort was established in Kerala at Anjenjo near Varkala in 1684 by the East India Company. After the invasion of Tipu Sultan’s forces, the Travancore region under Raja Varma signed a treaty in 1795 with the East India Company. East India Company took the authority to protect Travancore region from its internal and external invasion in future. Soon during the 18th century, under the rule of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, Thiruvananthapuram reached its height of glory as a seat of learning and culture. Various educational institutions were soon started to be established in this region like the Ayurveda College and Law College. Soon after in the 19th century, the city began to take its steps into the modern era under the reign of Chitira Thirunal Balarama Varma. He established the University of Kerala as well as soon started industrialization

Geography:

Thiruvananthapuram is situated on seven hills by the seashore, near the southern tip of mainland India. It lies on the shores of Kili and Karamana rivers. Thiruvananthapuram located on the west coast of India, is bounded by the Laccadive Sea to its west, western ghats to its east. The average elevation of this district is 16ft. above sea level. According to the Geological Survey of India, Thiruvananthapuram has been identified as a moderately earthquake-prone urban center.

The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is spread over an area of 214.86 sq. km. The wider metropolitan area of this district comprises Thiruvananthapuram corporation, three municipalities and 27 panchayats. It is considered as the largest city in India’s southern tip region. Thus, it forms an important region for military logistics and civil aviation in the southern part of the country. This city is headquarters of the Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force.

Environment:

The district of Thiruvananthapuram is known as ‘Evergreen City of India’ due to its landscapes and the presence of many public parks. It is endowed with a rich flora and fauna spread over the mainland and the hinterlands. Because of the two backwaters and three major rivers here, it forms a main tourist attraction for domestic and international tourists. This town has a beautiful landscape which makes the eco-system relatively richer.

This district is endowed with a distinct air of spirituality reverberating through the quaint temples and shrines strewn its landscapes. The old and traditional neighborhoods and stretches of greenery lining its narrow paths, give the state of Kerala a rustic feel.

Infrastructure:

Thiruvananthapuram is currently witnessing rapid development. Major ongoing infrastructure projects are expected to give a diversified portfolio for Thiruvananthapuram. The district has undergone major changes in terms of development emerging as a potential destination for investors. This place, along with its rich cultural activities, also started being converted into an agro-based industrial belt with several traditional industries through the development of paddy, coconut cultivation, fishing, weaving and oil extraction. Separate streets are identified at different places, providing a comparatively better infrastructure for development. Several infrastructure companies are looking forward to capitalizing on growing opportunities in the city. The development of Technopark, Kochuveli, Pappanamcode and Kinfra Apparel Park have all changed the image of this district and has turned it into a vibrant economy.

Architecture:

Until the 19^th century, traditional public buildings in Thiruvananthapuram like palaces, public granaries all were built in traditional  Kerala style architecture, under the supervision of the Maharaja of Travancore. However with the increasing presence of the British in the late 18^th century and early 19^th century, the British influence on architecture and town planning also increased drastically. The result was that all the public works department was mainly engaged in the contribution of buildings for the Maharaja and many maiden ventures like hospitals, museums, zoo, markets, roads, canals drainage and water supply and even dams. All these were designed by British engineers.

Many British structures at present are being used as government offices and institutions in Thiruvananthapuram. However, in a few cases some unnecessary additions to these structures have also come up. Many such concrete structures which do not value and respect the historical buildings have come up very near to the public buildings.

Culture:

Thiruvananthapuram, the cultural capital of Kerala was the main center of the arts and literature during the rule of the Maharajas of Travancore. This district retains its cultural prominence even today by celebrating various traditional festivals with enthusiasm. During the rule of Maharajas of Travancore, many traditions were started that still continue today. Aarat of Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one such festival which is significant in Thiruvananthapuram.

Thiruvananthapuram is home to followers of all major religions in India and they follow their respective cultural traditions. The district is dotted with many temples and few mosques too. The Palayam Juma Masjid is the largest mosque in this district. The mosque was built in 1813, which was also known as Palayampalli. It has a Martyr’s Column which is dedicated to freedom fighters in front. This mosque is located right next to a temple and church, together symbolizing communal harmony in Thiruvananthapuram. This district is a main center for Malayalam literature and men of letters who have graced this culturally rich district with their presence include Ayyipillai Asan (in 15^th century), Unnayi Variyar (in 17^th century), Kunchan Nambiar (17^th century), Valliakoi Thampuran (in 19^th century) and C.V. Raman Pillai during the 20^th century. The literary festivals conducted in this district: ‘Kovalam Literary Festival’ and ‘Hays Literary Festival’ draws litterateurs and literature aficionados from all over the country and abroad.

While Thiruvananthapuram is modernizing, one cannot fail to observe that many traditional elements of Keralan culture which have been passed down from generations still continue to be present. From temple elephants swaggering down a street to traditionally dressed men and women as well as people here eating banana leaves, the sights are many and are often found in this part of the country.

People:

According to the 2011 national census, the Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram, which occupies an area of 214 sq. km. had a population of 957,730. The sec ratio of this district is 1,040 females for every 1,000 males. The literacy rate of Thiruvananthapuram is 93.72% which is said to exceed the all India average of 74%.

Malayalam is the official language spoken here. But, due to the high literacy rate people of this district are aware and can speak English, Tamil and Hindi languages. The community speaking Malayalam forms the vast majority of Thiruvananthapuram’s population. While other communities are mostly North Indians and Tamilians. The Thiruvananthapuram has a 68.5% of population of Hindu community, 16.7% of Christian community and 13.7% Muslim community. The remaining community includes Jews, a few Jains and Sikhs which accounts for 0.06% of the population.

It is said that this district has witnessed a major immigration from northern India mainly from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, from Easter India: mainly from Bihar and West Bengal and also from neighboring countries like Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Famous For:

Thiruvananthapuram is a culturally rich district. The famous two of the three Malayalam triumvirate poets: Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer and Kumaran Asan are from  this district. Annual literature festivals like Koyalam Literary Festival are also held in Thiruvananthapuram. The literary development is aided by the state institutions like State Central Library, which is one of the oldest public libraries of India est. in 1829 and other major libraries including the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Central Library and the Kerala University Library. This district has been considered as a hub of classical music since the days of Maharaja of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal. Various music festivals are conducted like the Navaratri Music Festival, which is one of the oldest festivals of its kind in South India, Swathi Sangeethotsavam, Soorya Music fest, Neelakanta Sivan Music Fest and many other music festivals which are organized by different cultural groups of Thiruvananthapuram.

The Malayalam film industry was first started in Thiruvananthapuram district. Film: ‘Vigathakumaran’, the first Malayalam film directed by J.C. Daniel was released in this district. J.C. Daniel, considered as the father of Malayalam film industry, also established the first film studio of Kerala: ‘Travancore National Pictures’ at Thiruvananthapuram in 1926. Apart from various film festivals, the presence of the Central Board of Film Certification’s regional office, many film studios like Uma Studio, Chitranjali Studio, Kinfra Film and Video Park, Merryland Studio and Vismayas Max contributes to the growth of this district as a center of cinema.

Gallery

Craftsmen

List of craftsmen.

Documentation by:

Team Gaatha

Process Reference:

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