Padmanabhapuram Palace

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Padmanabhapuram Palace Padmanabhapuram Palace (Tamil: ,Malayalam: ) complex is located in at Padmanabhapuram Fort, close to the town

of Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, in India. It is about 20 km from Nagercoil, and about 50 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The palace complex is inside an old granite fortress around four kilometers long. The palace is located at the foot of the Veli Hills, which form a part of the Western Ghats. The river Valli flows nearby.[1] . The palace was constructed around 1601 CE by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore between 1592 CE and 1609 CE.It is believed that the Thai Kottaram was built in CE 1550. The maker of modern Travancore Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma ( CE 1706 -1758 ) who ruled Travancore from CE1729 to 1758 rebuilt the palace in 1n around 1750. King Marthaanda Varma dedicated the kingdom to his family deity Sree Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and ruled the kingdom as Padmanabha dasa or servant of Lord Padmanabha. Hence the name Padmanabhapuram or City of Lord Padmanabha. In the late 18th century,precisely in 1795 CE the capital of Travancore was shifted from here to Thiruvananthapuram, and the place lost its former glory. However, the palace complex continues to be one of the best examples of traditional Kerala architecture, and some portions of the sprawling complex are also the hallmark of traditional Kerala style architecture. The Padmanabhapuram Palace complex consists of several structures:

Mantrasala; literal meaning, King's Council Chamber Thai Kottaram; literal meaning, Mother's Palace(It didn't mean the mother's palace, but the first building or the mother of the buildings over there) - believed to have been constructed before AD 1550

Nataksala; literal meaning, the Hall of Performance, or of Performing Arts A four-storeyed building at the centre of the Palace complex Thekee Kottaram; literal meaning, the Southern Palace

The Clock Tower and the Roof of the Padmanabhapuram Palace

Hanging Lamp and wood carving in ceiling

Mantrasala (Council chamber)

Contents
[hide]

1 Mantrasala (Council chamber) 2 Thai Kottaram (Mother's palace) 3 Nataksala (Hall of performance) 4 Four-storeyed central building (UPPIRIKKA MALIGA)

5 Thekee kottaram (Southern palace) 6 Other interesting features 7 Gallery 8 References 9 External links

[edit]Mantrasala

(Council chamber)

Kings Council chamber is the most beautiful part of the entire palace complex. It has windows, with coloured mica, which keep the heat and the dust away, and the interior of the council chamber remains cool and dark. Delicate and beautiful lattice work can be seen all over the council chamber. The floor is also beautifully done, with a fine and perfect finish. The floor is dark and is made of a mixture of varied substances, including burnt coconut shells, eggwhite and so on. The remarkable aspect is that this particular floor finish and texture could not be duplicated in any other construction.

[edit]Thai

Kottaram (Mother's palace)

Mothers palace, designed in traditional Kerala style, is the oldest construction in the entire palace complex and is believed to be constructed around mid-16th century. True to the traditional Kerala style, there is an inner courtyard, called 'nalukettu'. In the inner courtyard, sloping roofs from all four sided taper down. Four pillars on four corners support the roof. On the south-west corner of the mothers palace, there is a relatively small room, called the chamber of solitude or 'ekantha mandapam'. The chamber of solitude has very beautiful and intricate wood carvings of every description all around. Of particular interest is a pillar of single jackfruit wood, with very detailed and beautiful floral designs.

[edit]Nataksala

(Hall of performance)

This is a relatively new building, constructed at the behest of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, who reigned in Travancore from 1829 to 1846. He was a great connoisseur of arts, especially music and dance. He himself composed music and has left a rich legacy to classical carnatic music. The Nataksala or the hall of performance has solid granite pillars and gleaming black floor. There is a wooden enclosure, with peepholes, where the women of the royal household used to sit and watch the performance.

[edit]Four-storeyed

central building (UPPIRIKKA MALIGA)

The four-storied building is located at the centre of the palace complex. The ground floor houses the royal treasury. The first floor houses the King's bedrooms. The ornamental bedstead is made of 64 types of herbal and medicinal woods, and was a gift from the Dutch merchants. Most of the rooms here and in other parts of the palace complex have built-in recesses in walls for storing weapons like swords and daggers.

The second floor houses the King's resting and study rooms. Here the King used to spend time during fasting days. The top floor (called upparikka malika) served as the worship chamber of the royal household. Its walls are covered with exquisite 18th century murals, depicting scenes from the puranas, and also few scenes from the social life of the Travancore of that time. Ths top floor was supposed to be Sree Padmanabha Swamy's room. This building was constructed during the reign of King Marthandavarma. He was also designated as Padmanabha Dasa and used to rule the Travancore kingdom as a servant of Sree Padmanabha Swamy.

[edit]Thekee

kottaram (Southern palace)

The southern palace is as old as the Thai kottaram (Mother's palace), which would make it about 400 year old. Now, it serves as a heritage museum, exhibiting antique household articles and curios. Collections of items give an insight into the social and cultural ethos of that period.

[edit]Other

interesting features

The Padamnabhapuram Palace complex has several other interesting features:

The Palace is located in Kanyakumari district of TamilNadu state but administered by the Government of Kerala state.

The clock tower in the palace complex has a 300 year old clock, which still keeps time. A big hall now bare, which can accommodate around 1000 guests, and where ceremonial feasts were held, on auspicious occasions.

A secret passage, now blocked, through which the king, his immediate family members, and their entourage could escape to another palace, located several kilometers away in the event of any emergency. Name of this palace is Charottu kottaram.

A flight of steps leads to a bathing pond, which has lost its freshness due to neglect and years of disuse.

The Palace complex also has a section of curios and several interesting objects:

An entire room filled with old Chinese jars, all gifts by Chinese merchants. A variety of weapons (which were actually used in warfare), including swords and daggers. Brass lamps, wood and stone sculpture, a variety of furniture and large mirrors made of polished metal.

A gallery of paintings depicting incidents from the history of Travancore. A wooden cot made of up to 64 wooden pieces of a variety of medicinal tree trunks Polished stone cot, meant for cool effect Toilet and well

Introduction
Just off the Nagerkoil-Kanyakumari highway lies an architectural treasure, Padmanabhapuram Palace made entirely of wood. Built in the 16th century, this historical structure has been the hub of the Travancore rulers. Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal was the architect of the palace; he ruled Travancore from 1592 to 1609. It continued to be the stronghold of the Travancore royals till the late 18th century. The abode derives its name from the mythological lore of Padmanabha meaning the lotus that originated from the navel of the Lord. The complex is spread out over seven acres comprising individual structures connected by a maze of corridors, verandahs, sprawling courtyards and colonnades made of teakwood and granite. Its typical Kerala-style architecture makes it one of the most photographed palaces in South India. Courtesy its massive stone walls of 30 feet (9 meters) that Tipu Sultan could be kept at bay in the 18th century. In 1744, the construction of the Perumal palace at the centre of the complex was completed and on the day of its completion Maharaja Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma christened the palace after Lord Padmanabha. It was then on that the surrounding area earlier known as Kalkulam began to be called Padmanabhapuram. Browse the building and appreciate its murals, lavish courtyards beautified with sculptures, sunny verandahs and plunging eaves. And if you wonder why the palace floors are impeccably polished; remember it is a special mixture of crushed shells, coconut water, egg white and juices of local plants that have gone into its making. The main entrance from the west called the padipura is a brilliant example of ornamental gabled roof. Look up the pumukham for its exquisitely carved rosewood and mahogany ceiling with 90 species of inverted flowers etched in it, a granite bed in one corner and an richly adorned Chinese throne. At the upper level is an audience hall dotted with wooden columns and angled timber screens to keep it airy and let sunlight stream in. Further on, explore the private quarters of the palace that has four chambers arranged one above the other and connected by a steep flight of stairs. The one on the ground floor served as a treasury, the second floor is the sleeping chamber, royal meditation chamber is on the third and shrine room on the fourth. You would need to do a guided tour of the palace complex as it is massive with a maze of 108 rooms, each having its distinct style, mood and artistic expression. Typical Kerala brass oil lamp hanging from ornate teak, painted mahogany musical ceremonial bows adorning the walls and densely carved wooden ceilings further enhance the opulence of the rooms. The sheer size of the two-storied dining hall known locally as oottupura, where 2000 Brahmins were served lunch everyday, will leave you breathless. Curios at the Padmanabhapuram Palace range from royal chairs with Chinese carvings, Belgian mirrors in the ladies chambers, colorful murals of Lord Krishna, hanging brass oil lamps, hanging cages through which eagles mauled convicts to death, open-air bath area and the two hanging beds in the dressing room of the kings sister. Also peruse the collection at the palace archaeological museum housed in the first courtyard from the entrance. It is home to a world of antiques including furniture, coins, granite and rosewood sculptures, stone and copper plate inscriptions, swords, rifles, spears and shields among other ancient armaments. Today the traditional home of the Travancore royal family is maintained by Kerala Archaeological Department.

Special Attributes
A Kerala architectural masterpiece with exquisite murals, granite sculptures and wood carvings.

Nuisance
The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions
Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity
Take a Trivandrum bound state bus and get off at Thuckalay. Further on, board an auto-rickshaw for the palace which is just 3 kilometers (1.87 miles) away.

Enjoyed by
Backpackers, history and architecture lovers

Exposure
You will partly be indoors and partly under the sun. At noon, the sun beats down so you are advised to carry your sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season
June, July, August, September, October

Facilities
Two guides have been deployed at every location in the palace, and their services are a part of the entrance fee. Besides, every section of the palace has clearly marked directions. This way you can easily make your way through the labyrinth of halls and rooms.

Things Not Allowed

You are not allowed to wear your footwear inside the palace chambers.

Tip
Maintain decorum. Do not touch objects on display and help preserve the serenity of the place.

Padmanabhapuram Palace
0digg

Padmanabhapuram Palace is located close to the town of Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu. It is about 20 km from Nagercoil, and about 50 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Though the palace is situated in Kanyakumari district

of Tamilnadu State, it is administered by the Government of Kerala archaeology department. The Padmanabhapuram palace complex is inside an old granite fortress around four kilometers long. The palatial mansion is a wooden paradise. The palace is located at the foot of the Veli Hills, which form a part of the Western Ghats. The river Valli flows nearby. It was once the seat of the rulers of old Travancore or Venad State from the 16th to the late 18th centuries. The palace was constructed around 1601 A.D by Ravipillai Ravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore between 1592 A.D. and 1609 A.D. The palace draws hundreds of visitors every day continuously. It is one of the best 10 palaces in the world. The Padmanabhapuram palace was the ancient capital of the Travancore kings. The palace is known for its planning and military architecture and remained the center of power till 1790, later the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram.

This is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages leading to a palace 2 km away in case of an invasion, a dining hall that can accommodate 1000 patrons, inner courtyards, durbar hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. Photography is charged here. You would need to do a guided tour of the palace complex as it is massive with a maze of 108 rooms, each having its distinct style, mood and artistic expression. Visitors to the palace are not allowed to enter wearing shoes or slippers in order to maintain the polish of the floor. The best time to visit the palace is during the months from November till the end of May. The place is less crowded during the monsoon months of June and July. The palace is open to tourists from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram palace, a 16th century palace located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India is believed to be the largest wooden palace in Asia. The palace is situated close to the town of Thuckalay in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. Though situated in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, the palace complex is administered by the Government of Kerala.

Padmanabhapuram palace was the former residence of the rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. The Travancore kingdom comprised of the southern regions of Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu.

Constructed by the Travancore ruler Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal (1592-1609) around 1601 AD the palace stands as an amazing symbol of erstwhile Travancore power. Later the Travancore ruler Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma (1706 -1758) reconstructed the palace. The palace complex consists of the following structures: Mantrasala (Kings council chamber), Thai Kottaram(Mothers Palace), Upparikka Malika, Puthan Kottaram, Thekke Kottaram, Plamoottil Kottaram, Veppinmoodu Kottaram, Natakasala (Hall of performance) and an Archeological Museum.

The Thai Kottaram or the Queen Mother's palace is the oldest structure in this palace complex. The rosewood and teak carved ceilings of this palace have 90 different floral designs. 17th and 18th century murals, ancient paintings and idols are among the many attractions here.

The Palace is accessible from Thiruvananthapuram as its only about 60 km away and is also accessible from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu.

About Padmanabhapuram Palace

The Padmanabhapuram Palace of Kanyakumari, a symbol of rich cultural heritage, is one of the chief attractions of Tamil Nadu. Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in Padmanabhapuram village of Kanyakumari District, nearby Thuckalay, at a distance of about 15 km from Nagercoil and 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Padmanabhapuram Palace is rated among the top ten palaces in the world. The Rajas of Travancore ruled the city of Travancore from this fort till 1790. Later the capital of Travancore was shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram, situated in the adjacent state of Kerala. Padmanabhapuram Palace that spread over a sprawling 6 acres is situated at the foot of Veli Hills of Western Ghats. This Palace was built by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal in the 17th century. Padmanabhapuram Palace is mostly a wooden structure that exhibits the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The walls of the palace have wooden planks which have carvings of Anantasayana, which depicts Lord Vishnu in a reclined pose on the serpent lord, Ananta. The floor of the palace is made of burnt coconut shells, laterite, lime and sand. The wooden ceiling has carvings of 90 different floral designs.

The Navarathri Mandapam within the hall of the palace, which is 66 feet long and 27 feet wide, is made of black granite. The Council chamber is a famous section in the Palace. The King's Council is coloured with mica and it has several windows. The Council is also noteworthy for the intricate latticework done on its inner walls and for the floor made of coconut shells and egg white. The King's quarters or the Upparika malika of Padmanabhapuram Palace was built in 1744 AD, by Marthanda Verma. The courtyard leading to Upparika malika was used as a parade ground for the recruitment of soldiers. The inner walls of the Prayer Hall are adorned with about 50 murals that depict Lord Vishnu with his consorts and Lord Krishna with gopikas. Several paintings depicting significant incidents from the life of Marthanda Verma can be seen on the walls of the corridor leading to the guest house. Today, Padmanabhapuram Palace of Kanyakumari is being looked after by the Archeological Department of Kerala. Timing: 9 am - 4.30 Pm (Except Mondays and National holidays) Admission Fees: INR 25 (Adults) INR 10 (Children) Admission Fees for Foreigners: INR 200 (Adults) INR 50 (Children)