Two shades of Koyikkal Palace

The Koyikkal Palace in Thiruvananthapuram has great historical significance. The palace, situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city, was actually built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad Royal Family, who ruled between 1677 and 1684. This double-storeyed Nalukettu houses two museums — a Folklore Museum and Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology. One could see some old musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils and folk art models in the Folklore Museum started in 1992. The exhibits throw light on the rich history and lifestyle of Kerala. Things like Thaliyola (old manuscripts), Chilambu (a kind of anklet) used by Umayamma Rani and Maravuri (a dress material made of bark of trees) are preserved here. Oorakkudukku, a device for intellectual exercise, and Gajalekshmi, a lamp representing prosperity, are also exhibited here.

The Numismatics Museum is said to be the only one of its kind in Kerala. Coins from different parts of the world and periods can be found here. Some of the oldest coins of Kerala such as Ottaputhen, Erattaputhen, Kaliyugarayan Panam, a Venetian coin named Amaida, which is believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ, are also seen there.

Among the Indian coins, the most valuable one is Karsha, which is 2,500 years old. One could also see Rasi, the world’s smallest coins; Sreekrishna Rasi, one of the Rasis issued by the local rulers in the 10th century; Anantharayan Panam, the first modern gold coin of Travancore; Kochi Puthen, one of the coins of the Kochi kingdom; Lekshmi Varaham, the silver coins and Rasi Palaka, the wooden board used to count small coins here.