What’s so special about the Kerala-made uruli Modi gifted to Australia’s PM?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest Mann Ki Baat brought a fresh cultural moment for Kerala, as he highlighted the traditional Mannar uruli—one of the gifts he presented to world leaders at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The mention has revived pride in a craft that blends centuries-old skill, local identity and a living connection with Kerala’s artisans.

What Modi said about the Kerala uruli

In the 128th episode, the Prime Minister stressed how Indian craftsmanship quietly shaped conversations at the G20 through the gifts he chose.

“My aim was to make the world aware of Indian crafts, art, and traditions, and to provide a global platform to the talent of our artisans,” he said.

Among those gifts, the brass urli from Mannar stood out. Modi said, “I presented the Prime Minister of Australia with a brass urli, an exquisite craft from Mannar, Kerala.”

The Mann Ki Baat reference, according to a News On AIR report, triggered an “excellent response” in Kerala. Mannar-based trader Anil S. Ambili said the mention “increases its relevance,” adding that the casting work from the town has set “several world records.” He also expressed Mannar’s gratitude to the Prime Minister.

What makes Mannar unique?

Mannar, in Alappuzha district, is one of India’s most important metal craft hubs. Known as the “Bell Metal Town,” it is celebrated for its brass, bronze and silver works—from lamps and bells to idols and massive cooking vessels.

The Mannar uruli, the large bronze kitchen vessel cast using time-tested methods, is one of its signature creations. Many artisans trace their roots to families that migrated centuries ago from Sankarankovil and Thanjavur, giving Mannar a deep artisanal lineage.

The town sits along the Pamba, Manimala and Achankovil rivers, its streets lined with workshops where metal is shaped using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Visitors often stop to watch artisans fashion lamps, vessels and bells by hand—pieces that continue to find place in temples, homes and cultural centres across India.

Efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mannar’s traditional metal crafts are progressing, raising hopes that the art form will get the formal recognition it has long deserved.

With the PM’s global gifting gesture and renewed national attention, Mannar’s timeless craftsmanship has once again found its moment of pride.