Manichithrathazhu – This literally translated meaning “The Ornate
Lock” is an age old traditional lock of Kerala which adorns the doors of
the fabulous Ettukettu & Nalukettu (8 sided & 4 sided mansions)
This is a special lock used in the ancient times to lock doors where
treasures and expensive items are kept. The special feature is, it
rings while locking/unlocking. These locks have now made a come back to
the new Kerala homes, though more from the aesthetic than the security
aspect. A movie by the same name was made which went on to become a
cult movie in Malayalam and then was later remade in almost all Indian
languages ( Bhool Bhulaiyya in Hindi, Chandramukhi in Tamil and so on).
The hero in search of an evil spirit promises that he would lock up the
spirit using the Manichitrathazhu, meaning locked up in the most secure
manner. The pictures show the old and the modern versions. A beautiful
video made by Nipun Chander, shows the actual working of the lock. This is one of the historical artifacts being archived by SirfIndian.com
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