Pazhassi Kovilakam may get a new lease of life

KANNUR: Pazhassi Padinjare Kovilakom, where legendary freedom fighter Veera Kerala Pazhassi Raja’s descendants lived, may get a new lease of life as the Chief Minister has promised support to retain it as a historical monument. The century-old palace, built in 1903 by the royal family, was a treasure trove of many valuable articles for archaeologists. The present owners had decided to demolish it due to the dilapidated condition and lack of members to stay in the Palace.

During the Pazhassi Raj remembrance meeting held in Mattannur on Thursday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government had a compassionate approach towards the demand of taking over the building. Recently, the royal family members along with Mattannur Municipality Chairman Bhaskaran Master had visited the CM and Minister for Museums and Archaeology Kadannappally Ramachandran with this request. Padinjare Kovilakam is one of the three cadet branches of the Kottayam Swaroopam, ruled by Pazhassi Raja.

“The meeting was positive and we are hoping that the process of taking over will happen soon. Since we are not in a position to settle in Pazhassi village nor are able to meet the huge expenses that will be incurred for the renovation, we cannot maintain the Kovilakam. We do not want to give the palace to private parties but prefer the government to take over and preserve it,” said the present head of the Padinjare Kovilakam P.K Kerala Varma Raja. “Though the previous UDF government decided to purchase the property to preserve it, nothing materialized,” he added.

Meanwhile the BJP, which demanded the takeover, welcomed the move. “However his words need to be translated into action. A time-bound plan of action should be finalized at the earliest, by involving legal descendants of Pazhassi Raja and people’s representatives. It should also be kept free of political nepotism by any party involved,” said NDA Vice Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar. The MP also urged that the demand to christen Kannur Airport in the name of Pahzassi Raja be considered.