Monuments of Kerala

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Koyikkal Palace, Thiruvananthapuram

Location: Nedumangad, about 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram city en route to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtalam waterfalls,

Attractions: Palace, folklore museum and numismatics museum.Visiting hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days, except Monday. The Koyikkal Palace, situated far away from the city, was actually built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family who ruled the land between 1677 and 1684.

The palace is a double storeyed traditional nalukettu with slanting gabled roofs and an inner courtyard. Today, the palace houses a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology. The Folklore Museum, a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc, was set up in 1992. The exhibits here draw attention to the rich cultural background of the state. The exhibits include rare articles like Chandravalayam (not found in any other such museum in Kerala), a small percussion instrument used as an accompaniment while reciting the ballad Ramakathappattu (the story of Lord Sree Rama); and Nanthuni , a sweet sounding musical instrument made of wood and string used while, singing the Onappattu and Nanthunippattu during Onam the harvest festival of Kerala.

The Folklore Museum housed on the first floor of the palace also has a wide range of household utensils including wooden kitchenware, brass/copperware etc. representing the lifestyle of the Keralites during different eras. Thaliyola (old manuscripts), Chilambu (a sort of anklet) used by Umayamma Rani and Maravuri (dress material made of the bark of trees) etc. are well preserved here. Oorakkudukku device for intellectual exercise used by the Yogis as a pastime, Gajalakshmi a lamp representing the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmiseated on her elephant, (this lamp is usually lighted at dusk and during the harvest season to welcome the goddess)etc. are other interesting exhibits. The Kettuvillakku a ceremonial lamp (artistically made out of coloured paper and locally available lightwood splits/rails), lit during festivals at the Bhagavathy temples of southern Kerala; a model of the most impressive of Theyyams the Muthappan theyyam , a Patayani kolam model ; the headgear and dress used by Ottanthullal artistes exhibited here give an insight into the performing as well as the ritual art forms of Kerala.

The Numismatics Museum at the Koyikkal Palace is the only one of its kind in the state. Occupying the ground floor of the palace, the coins here belong to different parts of the world as well as to different eras. This rare and historically valuable collection is a vestige of the trade relation of the state in the bygone ages. Among the exhibits are some of the oldest coins of Kerala Ottaputhen, Erattaputhen, Kaliyugarayan Panam etc. A Venetian coin named Amaida, believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ, is also a property of this museum.

The most valuable among the Indian coins found here are 'Karsha'. These are nearly 2500 years old. Rasi, the world's smallest coins are also on display here. Sreekrishna Rasi, one of the rasis (regional coins) issued by the local kings of Kerala around the 10th century, Anantharayan Panam the first modern gold coin of Travancore in circulation in the 15th and 17th centuries, Kochi Puthen one of the coins of the Kochi kingdom which also had variations like IndoDutch Puthen (1782 AD), Lakshmi Varaham the silver coins minted in Travancore, Rasi Palaka (the coin board) a wooden board with small niches used to count small coins (counting up to 100 to 200 at a time), coin mints etc are preserved here.

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Gundert's Bungalow

Location: About 20 km from Kannur town, at Nettur, on the outskirts of Thalassery (in Kannur district), north Kerala. Dr. Hermann Gundert (18141893), a scholar of the German Basel Mission compiled the first Malayalam English Dictionary. He also authored Malayala Rajyam (1870) which comprises the history and geography of Malabar , the first of its kind on the land's geography. He was the publisher of one of Malayalam's oldest newspaper, the "Paschimodayam" and also authored several books on Malayalam grammar, religion, and philosophy. Some of his works are Kerala Pazhama (1868), Manushya Hridayam, Vajrasooji, Muhamadeeya Charitam, Christu Sabha Charitram etc. A book on Malayalam sayings was published in 1845. He spent his last days at 'Karu' in Germany. For the lovers of the Malayalam language, the Gundert's Bungalow has been preserved as a hisorically significant place.

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Madhavan Nayar Foundation, Edappally

Location: 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edappally Ernakulam.
Timings: 10:00 17:00 hours on all days except Mondays.
Attractions Showcases the historic events and arts of Kerala.
Located at a little distance from the crowded urban centre of Ernakulam is a quiet, ethnic building hidden in the shades of huge trees. A statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala, greets the visitor. This is a monument to the history of Kerala and homage to its makers. The Madhavan Nayar Foundation also called the Museum of Kerala History and Its Makers showcases historic episodes from the neolithic to the modern era through life size figures. Light 'n' sound shows are regularly organised with commentaries in English and Malayalam. There is also a gallery for paintings and sculptures, displaying over 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. The Centre for Visual Arts here has a collection of the authentic reproduction of select world masters and larger than life mural reproductions of Indian art.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 8 km from Edappally.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam city.

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The Poonjar Palace, Kottayam district

Location: Poonjar on the Pala-Erattupetta route, Kottayam district, central Kerala.
Attractions: Royal collection of antiques, rock cut lamps, sculptures etc.

The Poonjar Palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture including a palanquin, a thoni – carved out of a single piece of wood – for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Siva), grain measures, statues and weapons.

A unique conch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes.Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple bear sculptures that narrate stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India). However, the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stonewalls of the Sastha Temple nearby. Such rock cut lamps are rare in India.

Getting there

Nearest major railway station: Kottayam, about 30 km from Pala.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam town.

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Dutch Palace, Mattancherry

Location: Mattancherry, 10 km from Ernakulam.Visiting hours 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays. Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. The palace with a Bhagavathi temple in the central courtyard is built like the typical Kerala style mansion the Nalukettu the home of the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard. The double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi backwaters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great Indian epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan. Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family. Getting there There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry. The boats start from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park at Ernakulam town.Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 10 km.Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.

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Museum of Kerala History

The Museum of Kerala History is located on the National Highway just after Edapally on the way to Aluva. It is one stop, not just foreign tourists but even Malayalees, should never miss to take, at least once. Founded by the late Mr.R.Madhavan Nair, a seafood exporter and connoisseur of art and artifacts. A stroll through the corridors of the museum takes you period by period through the pages of Kerala's history and what's more, reveals the splendours of classical and modern art. Located on a generous plot of land full of tall trees and carpeted lush green with a garden full of blooming flowers, it is a pleasant getaway. The artistically designed alleyways laid with black granite stones provide an excellent backdrop for the complex. The din and bustle of the busy highway fails to disturb one's peace and tranquillity within the complex. Established in 1987, the museum is perhaps the only one of its kind in India. The museum brings to life, in magnificent sweep, the entire history of Kerala and all its social, cultural, political and religious life through about 90 lifesize statues of the makers of history in a soundandlight show, set in appropriate and authentic background. More than just a chronicle of political events and transformation, one can witness the relationship from the dawn of history between Keralam and Thamizhakam, the Aryan descents from the north, centuries before the arrival of St.Thomas, the Apostle in 52 AD. The Advaita vedanta of Adi Sankaracharya, the Maharaja Marthanda Varma, Tipu Sultan, Kathakali which is Kerala's contribution to art, Dr. Hermann Gundert etc. The flitting lights, the colourful background music, set to synchronize with the impact of the visual together produce an enduring impression. The Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures in the museum are on the fourth floor and very aesthetically conceived. It contains 250 original paintings of Indian masters like Raja Ravi Varma, M.F Hussain, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Kishan Khanna, Abindranath Tagore, Bhunen Kakhar and many others. The Centre for Visual Arts within the complex displays about 400 authentic and high quality reproductions of paintings of world masters including Cezanne, Titian, Leonardo Da Vinci, Monet, Ucello, Van Gough, Picasso and others. The Dolls museum on the first floor has a spectacular and colourful collection of beautiful dolls in glass modules of people from all parts of India.

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Kottayil Kovilakom

On the fall of the Cheran Empire sometime in the 11th century, Kerala was divided among many small royal fiefdoms. What remained were two notable independent kingdoms Cochin and Travancore. Though there were many minor kingdoms in Kerala, most of them were devoid of any actual royal powers, but not lacking in wealth and status. Marthanda Varma, the erstwhile King of Travancore defeated the Dutch and ended their political domination in the subcontinent. He subsequently expanded his kingdom by conquering many minor royal chieftains and annexed them to Travancore. Meanwhile, in the Malabar area, the Zamorins were the principal rulers. Long battles with the Portuguese made the Zamorins weak and ultimately with the fall of the Zamorins, Malabar came under the direct administrative control of the British. Minor kingdoms that survived these changes were the Arakkal Kingdom, the only Muslim royal house of Kerala and the Kottayil Kovilakarm, the only Christian royal house of Kerala and probably in entire India. Kottayil Kovilakam is located 12 km away from Kodungallor, a place that was once a major port at the time of the Cheran rule. The history of Kottayil Kovilakom is a tragic episode. It depicts the romantic story of Princess Mariyam who was also known as Kripavathi. She was the only daughter of King Thoma, the King of Valliyarvattom, who was renowned at that time. Following the death of King Thoma, Princess Mariyam inherited the throne. The Princess was extremely beautiful and a Prince in the Cochin Royal family fell in love with her. It is believed that he ultimately converted to Christianity, changed his name to Immanuel and married the Princess. Eventually Immanuel became the ruler of the Kovilakam. Chieftains in the Valliyarvattom royal family were enraged by this. They ultimately organized a coup and Immanuel was rusticated. He disappeared from the scene soon after . Some believed that he was killed and others say he went to Sri Lanka. The sad princess is believed to have committed suicide. Subsequently, the Cochin Kingdom claimed right over Valliyarvattom and soon conquered it putting to an end the aristocratic powers and royal status of the Valliyarvattom royal house.