Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, also
known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry,
Kochi, features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art,
portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.Mattancherry
Palace with its medieval charm is situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi.
It was built by the Portuguese and
presented to Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD.
The
palace is a quadrangular structure built in Nālukettu style,
the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with a courtyard in the middle.
In the courtyard there stands a small temple dedicated to 'Pazhayannur
Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family. There are two more temples on
either side of the Palace, one dedicated to Lord Krishna and the
other to Lord Siva. Certain elements of architectures, as for example
the nature of its arches and the proportion of its chambers are indicative of
European influence in basic Nāluketttu style.
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.
The present museum was established
in May 1985 housing a variety of exhibits such as portraits of the Cochin
Kings, palanquins, dresses, weapons, three royal umbrellas, canopy, dolis,
swords, stamps and coins etc.
The ceremonial dress of the kings with intricate
lace work in golden thread woven into them is in display. Also in display are
royal caps worn by the Cochin kings. The coins issued by the kings of Cochin
and postal stamps are exhibited besides important plans of Cochin drawn by the
Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Also on display are royal paraphernalia like
weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the
royal family.
Mattancherry palace is located at
a distance of 12 km from Ernakulam (Cochin) in Kerala State. The nearest
airport is Nedumbaserry international airport. Mattancherry palace is one of
the oldest examples of the Portuguese architecture with oriental influence and
is unique from the historical and architectural point of view.
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