Krishnapuram Palace
Kerala is noted for many palaces
that were an outcome of princely domains that once ruled different parts of
Kerala. The Krishnapuram Palace is one such palace, which could be reached from
the National Highway - 47 going via Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district of Kerala.
It is a historically important palace, located close to the Sree Krishnaswamy
Temple at Krishnapuram. History reckons this double-storeyed palace as the one
where the kings of Kayamkulam dynasty last stayed. It is a typical example of a
palace design that is akin to that of local rulers in ancient Kerala.
Many
ancillary units of Krishnapuram Palace got demolished and only the main palace
structure remains intact. There are no authentic records stating the period of
the palace's construction. According to old timers, the princess of Kayamkulam
ruling family used to stay at a place north of Kayamkulam while the men stayed
at the Krishnapuram Palace.
Currently
a protected monument under the Department of Archaeology, the palace situated
near the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram was built during the period of
King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 AD) following the annexation
of Kayamkulam to the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.
The
palace would easily catch the attention of its visitors, due to its traditional
Kerala style of architecture. The architectural highlights of this palace
include a courtyard, gabled roofs, thick-framed doors, narrow corridors and
stairways, dormer windows and low roofs.
A
highlight among the sights for visitors at the Krishnapuram Palace is without
doubt the mural found here, depicting the story of Gajendramoksham (salvation
of elephant). Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is
one of the largest murals in Kerala and is a fantastic blend of colours and
expression.
This
magnificent palace with sixteen blocks is also famous for its museum that
houses antiques, sculptures, paintings, weapons, megalithic remains, stone
inscriptions, coins and artifacts in bronze. Among the museum highlights
include a Bible in Sanskrit language.
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