Shakthan Thampuran Palace
The Palace of Shakthan Thampuran located in the district of Thrissur is a landmark in the annals of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the former ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest on eminent rulers and dynasties. It is believed that the reign of King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran (CE 1790-1805) popularly known as Shakthan as the golden era of Kochi.
Situated close to the famous Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur, the Shakthan Thampuran Palace formerly known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam was renovated by Shakthan Thampuran in its present form. The palace, built in the Dutch and Kerala style of architecture belongs to the few structures of this kind in Kerala. The main structure of the palace has a two-storeyed building and a traditional Kerala style Naalukettu. The interiors of the palace, because of its unique construction offer comfortable and pleasant staying conditions irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions.
The Shakthan Palace also houses an elaborate museum. The museum contains some interesting galleries like the Bronze Gallery, Sculpture Gallery and the Epigraphy Gallery showcasing the genesis and evolution of ancient writings.
The final resting place of Shakthan Thampuran is also located inside the palace, besides that of a Zamorin and a ruler of Kochi. The palace also has a very ancient Sarpakaavu or Serpent Grove, which is a place for worshipping the serpents according to Hindu belief, and was once widely practiced in Kerala.
Located on the Southern side of the Shakthan Palace is the Heritage Garden which exhibits and preserves some of the indigenous plants and trees of Kerala.
History
The Sakthan Thampuran Palace, earlier known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam, was originally belonged to the Perumpadappu Swaroopan dynasty, the ruling dynasty of Kochi for a very long time. After the King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran came into power, he renovated the entire structure of the palace and gave it his name. He ruled from 1790 to 1805 and it is said that his rule was the golden era for Cochin Dynasty, as there were not many major battles during his reign. Also, he emerged victorious in almost all the battles he fought.
Highlights
Spread over an area of six acres, the Shakthan Thampuran Palace offers a blend of traditional Kerala and Dutch style of architecture. It has amazing galleries and rooms, with a collection of excavated megalithic material of Kerala and other treasures, that tells the legacy of its residents. There are three tombs in the palace, including the tomb of Shakthan Thampuran and a flagpole dating back to 1827. The other well-preserved materials and galleries found here includes ancient coins, royal bedroom, royal kitchen, utensils, weapons, bronzes, stamps, and many more.
The Shaktharan Thampuran Palace, which is now conserved by Archaeological Department, also has a snake temple inside the complex and a Botanical Garden, established by an Army Major. The garden has many indigenous and exotic collection of plants, along with many medicinal trees and herbs.
Monuments in Kerala
Monuments in Kerala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. The beautiful state is not only replete with natural beauty but it is the land of abundant historical attractions. During your tour to Kerala, you can explore some of the most famous historical monuments of Kerala that let you know the glorious past history of the state. The coastal state is home to diverse landmarks, architecture, and culture. The royal dynasties of Kerala, colonial Portuguese, Jews, Dutch and British have inhabited the region and have inspired many architectural marvels. Magnificent forts, palaces, architectural monuments represent the ruling dynasties and cultures that existed here. The combined history of the state is a treasure. Every monument is an insight into the charming history of God’s Own Country.
