History
Temple mural tradition of Kerala using natural pigments on walls, peaking in classical temple architecture periods and revived by modern schools.
Visual & Traditional Arts
Kerala Mural Painting
Classical temple mural style of Kerala with mineral colours and epic themes.
About
Kerala mural painting is a classical wall-art tradition of temples and palaces. Artists use mineral pigments to depict deities and epic scenes in a distinctive stylised manner still practised and conserved across the state.
Category
Visual & Traditional Arts
Type
Mural painting
Notes
Temple walls and mineral pigments
Where to see
Temples, palaces, and mural centres
Origin district
Statewide temple tradition; celebrated murals in Thrissur, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram regions.
Community/tradition
Temple painters and later institutional mural schools.
Costume
Not a costume art; painters traditionally work in simple attire.
Makeup
Not applicable.
Musical instruments
Not applicable.
Performance occasions
Temple restoration, mural schools, exhibitions, and heritage projects.
Famous artists
Temple mural lineages and modern revival painters trained in Kerala mural technique.
More in Visual & Traditional Arts
Continue exploring
Other art forms in this category.
Kalamezhuthu
View Details
Coconut Shell Craft
View Details
Coir Craft
View Details
Bamboo Craft
View Details
Bell Metal Craft
View Details
Wood Carving
View Details
Nettur Petti
View Details
Aranmula Kannadi
View Details
Kathakali Mask Making
View Details
Temple Wood Sculptures
View Details
Traditional Boat Building (Uru)
View Details
Handloom Weaving
View Details