Mattancherry Palace, Kochi: The Historic Glory of Kerala
Labels: top-of-the-line attractions
Tag: castles and palaces
Schedule: 10am to 5pm (closed on Fridays)
Time required: 1-2 hours.
Entry fee: Rs 2 for adults, free for children below 15 years
Other names: Dutch Palace.
Acquaintance
Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a Portuguese palace located in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala. At present, the palace has been converted into a museum, where various historical items and artifacts used by the kings of Kochi are preserved. It is an important destination to know the rich history and cultural heritage of Kerala.
History
When Vasco da Gama landed at Keppad in 1498, the kings of Kochi welcomed him and allowed the Portuguese to build factories. Later, the kings of Kochi became subject to the Portuguese. The Portuguese built this palace in 1555 and gifted it to the King of Kochi. In 1663, the Dutch captured Kochi and renovated and expanded the palace, thus making it known as the 'Dutch Palace.'
Architecture
Mattancherry Palace is a quadrangular palace using the traditional Kerala style of architecture called 'Nalukettu.' At the center of the palace is an open courtyard, which has three shrines—one for the goddess 'Payyannur Bhagavathy 'and the other two for Krishna and Shiva. The ceiling of the dining hall is made of wood and is decorated with brass cups. The floor here is made of special materials—burnt coconut shell, charcoal, lime, tree sap, and egg white—which looks like black marble.
Murals and Murals
One of the most striking features of the palace is its huge murals. Ramayana, Krishna Leela, and other mythological events are depicted here. For example, Lakshmi sitting on the lotus, the coronation of Ramchandra, the rest of Shrihari Vishnu, the Ardhnarishwar form of Shiva and Parvati, the lifting of Govardhan mountain by Krishna, etc. These paintings are inspired by the imagination of Veera Kerala Varma and are painted in the style of Hindu temple art.
There are also paintings based on Kalidasa's poem 'Kumarasambhava' and some other literature. The palace displays weapons, swings, ancient maps, royal palanquins, silver-plated costumes, velvet umbrellas, scepters, thrones, and many other royal items.
How to reach
To reach Mattancherry Palace, you can use a car, taxi, auto, or ferry. If you want, you can reach it by renting a bicycle or walking along the market road for 30 minutes.
This historical place provides a unique opportunity to know the cultural and royal history of Kerala. It is a must-visit place for history lovers.
