Kerala Murals: A Journey Through Tradition, Myth, and Art
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Origins of Kerala Murals
Dating back to the 8th century AD, Kerala mural paintings began as frescoes primarily illustrating Hindu mythology. The earliest example of this art form was found in the Thirunandhikkara Cave Temple in present-day Tamil Nadu. Before these murals, Kerala’s ancient art traditions included rock engravings in the caves of Edakkal in Wayanad and Perumkadavila in Thiruvananthapuram, along with prehistoric rock paintings in the Anjanad Valley of Idukki district. Sanskrit texts like Chithrasoothram, Tantrasamuchaya, Abhilashitartha Chintamani, and Silparatna (12th to 16th centuries) provide insights into the techniques and philosophies underlying this traditional art.
Kerala murals thrived between the 9th and 12th centuries, often supported by royal patrons. However, British colonial rule diminished its practice. In post-independence India, several temples took up the mantle to revive this heritage, notably through the Guruvayur Devaswom Board’s Centre for Study of Mural Paintings in Thrissur. Today, over 150 temples in Kerala showcase ancient murals, preserving this unique tradition.
Unique Style and Symbolism of Kerala Murals
Kerala murals are distinguished by their vibrant and intricate style, embodying the local landscape and mythological themes. Common motifs include lotus flowers, elephants, peacocks, and scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The imagery often features deities, historical characters, and cultural practices, rendered with large, expressive eyes, elaborate ornamentation, and fluid, curving lines.
The creation of Kerala murals is a meticulous process. As true frescoes, these murals are painted on freshly prepared surfaces coated with a mixture of lime, sand, and cotton. Artists can choose between two styles: dry or wet fresco, with colors carefully applied to the surface while it is still damp. Each painting is outlined, filled with color, and then meticulously detailed.
Traditional Kerala murals use five natural colors—panchavarna: red, yellow, green, white, and black—each representing specific traits. White symbolizes spiritual purity (satvaguna), red represents power and wealth (rajoguna), yellow embodies both vitality and spirituality, black conveys evil (tamoguna), and green or blue symbolizes righteousness.
Meet Master Mural Artist - Sunil Vaka
Shri Sunil Vaka, a leading Kerala mural artist with over 25 years of experience, continues to champion the beauty and cultural significance of this art form. Trained by the legendary mural artist Shri “Mammiyoor” Krishnankutty Nair, Sunil Vaka has honed his skills to masterfully convey the depth and intricacies of Kerala murals. His work graces some of the most revered sites, including the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Chennai’s Kodampakkam Ayyappa Temple, and the Shreechithira Thirunal Museum in Trivandrum. An ambassador of this tradition, Sunil has also represented Kerala mural art in numerous international mural camps and exhibitions in prestigious art galleries, bringing global recognition to this ancient art form.