Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c8.84

v1.c8.84

*Darpaṇa* means a mirror. In ancient times, when glass was either unknown or was not employed for making mirrors, highly polished metal plates of various designs were utilised to serve as mirrors. It may be remarked by the way that this old speculum industry has not yet died out in India. In a place called Āramuḷa in Travancore, such mirrors are still manufactured; and the mirrors made by the workmen of this place are so true that they do not show distortion in reflection. Glass mirrors are not allowed to be used in temple service in Malabar, and it is not rare to find in wealthy temples in this part of the country speculum mirrors even as large as three feet by two feet. In sculptures the *darpaṇa* is either circular or oval in form, and is mounted on a well-wrought handle (see Pl. IV, fig. 7.)