Location:
Kanyakumari District, 15 kms from Nagercoil.
Built In: 1601 AD
The Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari district, located about 15 km
from Nagercoil has the rare distinction of being one of the most ancient
monuments in South India. Known for its strategic planning and military
architecture, the palace was the seat of power for the Travancore emperors
till 1790, when the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram by Karthika
Thirunal Maharaja, popularly known as Dharma Raja. Its main attraction is
its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden
carvings.
And Inside Gaze
The Entrance Hall:
Bearing testimony to the immaculately evolved architectural skills that
prevailed in this region, the palace commands spontaneous awe from the
onlooker. A brass lamp fashioned as a man riding a horse and hanging from
the magnificently carved wooden ceiling greets the visitors to the "poomukham"
or entrance hall. The ceiling, interestingly has 90 varieties of flowers in
full bloom. A black bed made of seven granite stones and a 17th century
chair gifted by a Chinese official are found in the hall. On the wall are
displayed ellipsoidal coloured wooden planks depicting "Anantasyana"-
the reclining posture of Lord Vishnu, also known as Lord Padmanabha.
The Council Chamber:
The Mantrasala, the Council Chamber, is an example of excellence of
workmanship in wood. A wooden seat with the images of lions, contacting
small decorated doors with space inside for filling with aromatic substance
is a neat work indeed. The floor made of a mixture of burnt coconut shells,
lime, late rite and sand glistens to this day.
The King's Quarters:
The king's quarters or "upparika malika", near the bathing ghat,
was built by Marthanda Varma in 1744 A.D. The courtyard leading to this
building served as a parade ground for recruiting soldiers for the royal
army. A round stone weighing 38 kg and placed on a pillar had to be lifted
hundred times by any aspirant wishing to join the army. About 50 murals
painted in green, black and brown, depicting Lord Vishnu with his consorts
and Lord Krishna with the Gopikas adorn the walls of the prayer hall.
Guest House and The Dance Hall:
Several incidents in the life of Marthanda Varma are beautifully captured
in canvas and are displayed on the corridor to the guest house or "Indra
Vilasm". A jewel in the crown is the Navarathra Mandapam. It is made of
complete stone structures. This massive dance hall is 66 feet by 27 feet
with a high roof and sculpted stone pillars. The womenfolk witness the
performances through the wooden enclosure with arrangements for viewing.
Exact Date of its Construction: A Shrouded Mystery
Though the exact date as to when the fort was constructed is shrouded in
mystery, it is believed the fort was built in 1601 A.D. Originally it was
constructed with mud in the 14th century and was named Darpakulangara
Palace.However, it was Marthanda Varma who reconstructed the palace with
granite structures.
