MASTER BLACKSMITH WHO MAKES MANICHITRATHAZHU
 |
| Kunju Kochu Ravunni, Koonammavu, Ernakulam 683518 |
|
|
Kunju Kochu Ravunni of Koonammavu, Ernakulam
is one of the handful of blacksmiths who could make a lock which no thief
would waste his time on. Making
‘Manichitrathazhu’ or the traditional burglarproof lock of Kerala is
an age-old secret, which has been almost forgotten by us.
Ravunni’s recent ‘Manichitrathazhu’
was crafted for a rich NRI client recently.
The owner wanted an aesthetically appealing house, no matter what
the expense. An expert
carpenter made the design and measurements for the intricately carved
lock.
When the owner turns the key in the lock, the
‘Manichitrathazhu’ will chime out 6 times and open. If any one else tries to tamper with the lock, it will emit
the chimes, which are likely to scare the thief.
The lock is made of brass and is a symbol of handcrafted
perfection.
The lock weighs 5 kg and costs Rs. 12000.
It took Ravunni 21/2 months of devoted work to make it.
“But such orders are rare.
Nobody wants locks like these.
We are losing lot”, laments Ravunni.
He delights in making icons of gods.
“I see the Virgin in my mind when I etch out her form on to my
iron”, says the blacksmith. He
does not see much future for his trade. Yet he is determined to go on.
Courtesy: New Indian Express
Contributed by: Administrator
