Palace with Mohenjadaro etches

ALAPPUZHA: The Krishnapuram Palace, which was built in 18th century, has been attracting tourists ever since the Government declared it as a museum. It was built in the architectural style of Kerala with gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows near the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram here. The palace, which is a ‘Pathinaru Kettu' was taken over by the State Archaeological Department in 1960 and was opened as a museum on February 2, 2000, after renovation.

It was built during the reign of Marthanda Varma under the guidance of Ayyappan Marthanda Pillai according to the principles of Vasthu Shastra. The multi-storeyed building has ancient Kerala type gopurams and steep tiled roofs, the dominant feature of the palace. History says it was the residence of the rulers of Kayamkulam. The new palace was built over the residence of the Kayamkulam royal clans. It came under Travancore ownership after a battle with the Kayamkulam clans. Renovated in the 18th century, the palace is today a protected monument under the Archaeology Department.

The palace complex has many other buildings, which are a combination of traditional and western architecture. The present building, a three storied structure within the complex, was renovated in the 1950s by the Archaeological Department of Kerala in modern style conforming to the scientific techniques prescribed for the protection of heritage buildings. Antiques from Mohen jodaro on dispaly here are the head of a human statue, a toy and small vessels, probably used for religious rites. The mural, which depicts 'Gajendra Moksham' in Bhagavata Purana, is on the wall of the palace and is the biggest mural in the State.

A large number of antiques, used by the kings who ruled the erstwhile Kayamkulam State is housed here. The most significant among them is the Kayamkulam sword. Unlike the common sword, this one is sharp on both edges. The cannon balls used by the army of Kayamkulam and the weights and measures prevalent during the period are also on display. The shield used by Raja Kesava Das, the Dewan of erstwhile Travancore can also be seen here.

A large number of stone idols of gods made during 800-900 AD are also exhibited here. Several other idols including those of Shiva, the Nagas and various locally worshipped gods, excavated from various parts of the State can be seen here. Marthanda Varma's army destroyed the original palace, which was situated near the present one, after he conquered Kayamkulam. The palace was used by the Travancore kings as a guest house when they came to Kayamkulam.