The Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, located in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the state of Kerala, is also referred to as the Dutch Palace. The rajas of Kochi have left behind a museum that houses their personal belongings, including Mattancherry Palace. Discover the fascinating history of Kerala through the use of priceless ornaments and artifacts by visiting this location.
Mattancherry Palace’s grandeur is found in its simplicity; it is constructed in the traditional Keralan style, which is reserved for aristocratic mansions. The Mattancherry Palace’s four distinct wings encircle a central courtyard that is home to a temple. It includes exhibits and murals with portraits of Kochi’s Rajas. They feature stunning murals depicting myths and gallery of Cochin Raja portraits, both painted in warm hues using the tempera technique.
History & The Mattancherry Palace’s architecture
The Kochi rulers welcomed Vasco Da Gama when he landed at Kappad in 1498 and granted him the exclusive right to build factories. The Cochin Rajas had become vassals of the Portuguese because of their dislike of the Zamorians’ recurrent attacks. The Portuguese constructed the Mattancherry Palace initially, and in 1555 they gave it to the King of Cochin. After the Dutch took control of Mattancherry in 1663, the Portuguese influence was further replaced. After the Dutch completed some additions and remodeling in 1663, the palace came to be known as the Dutch Palace.
The palace is shaped like a quadrangle and features traditional Keralan architecture in the Nalukettu style, with hints of European influence in the arches and chambers. In the center of the Mattancherry Palace is a courtyard that is home to three temples: one is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the other to Lord Krishna, and the third to “Pazhayannur Bhagavati,” the goddess who guards the Kochi royal family. The elaborate wooden ceiling in the dining room is adorned with a number of brass cups. There are a few unique instances of traditional Kerala flooring, which resembles black marble and is made of a mixture of lime, burned coconut shells, charcoal, plant juices, and egg whites.
Mattancherry Palace Murals:
Numerous murals depicting the Ramayana, a few scenes from the Krishnan Lila, and numerous gods and goddesses in various positions can be found in the Mattancherry palace. Among the prominent murals are those depicting Lakshmi sitting on the lotus, Rama being crowned, Vishnu dozing off, Shiva and Parvati seated alongside goddesses Ardhanariswara and others, and Krishna raising Mount Govardhana. The paintings are credited to Veera Kerala Verma’s creative inclinations. The murals are created in the most exquisite, religious, and decorative traditions of Hindu temple art.
Additional murals feature excerpts from the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa’s works, including Kumarasambhavam. There are also commonplace objects on display, like swings, weapons, Dutch maps of old Kochi, floral-patterned royal palanquins, gowns with silver sequins, royal umbrellas made of silk and brass, the ceremonial royal sword, and royal family furniture.
Directions to Mattancherry Palace:
You can hire a car, a taxi, an autorickshaw, or a ferry to get to the Mattancherry Palace. To get to the palace, you can even choose to rent bicycles or take a leisurely 30-minute stroll down the bustling Bazaar Road.
Mattancherry PalaceTimings :10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays). To know more about historical places and temples visit the official website of Liturgical Temples. The information’s provided in this website is well researched and get from the trusted sources.
