Artifacts of Kerala

[minisoji]

Steel Knives of Varappuzha



The relatively unknown place Varappuzha in Ernakulam district is known for its sharp steel knives. The Varappuzha knife, 'uli' and 'karandi', commonly used by the masons, have grabbed their confidence and approval by its exceptional qualities.

There are 25 'aalas' (workshops of blacksmiths) in Varappuzha alone, which have been catering to thousands of workmen from across Kerala for more than half a century.

Most of the young men now engaged in these workshops hail from the families who were tradtionally blacksmiths. The mastery of these men over the medium is so superb that automobile mechanics who fail to organise rare spare parts for their clients approach these blacksmiths.Given a chance, these blacksmiths can recreate an exact prototype of any metal product.

Keywords: kerala artifacts, kerala tourism, Aranmula Kannadi, Para, Coircrafts, Nettur petti, Nettippattom