Charcoal ironing boxes were heated with smoldering coals that were taken from a fire and placed inside a box on the top of the iron. The lid of the box had a handle, which allowed people to hold the hot iron as they ran it over clothing, smoothing out wrinkles. In Kerala the box was traditionally made of bronze.

It’s still a common sight on both urban and rural roadsides to find an “ironing stall” where local people bring their clothing for ironing on a daily basis.