The video shows the making of black colour for mural painting. The colour is made from lamp soot. An earthen lid is held over a lighted Nilavilakku, a bell metal lamp. Sesame oil is used to light the lamp.
Other colours used include green, red, white, blue, golden yellow, saffron and saffron yellow. All these are derived from nature and no artificial colour is used. The raw materials include leaves, fruits, stones, ore and elements.

Mural art in Kerala is believed to have started in the 9th century. This is a living tradition here, thanks to the efforts of a few institutions. The video is shot from Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, a premier centre for training and research in mural painting.