Shakthan Thampuran Palace
March 26, 2010 by admin
Filed under Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Shakthan Thampuran Palace – Thrissur
Originally known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam, this palace was built by Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran of Cochin during his reign. According to the historical, architectural and cultural importance, the Shakthan Thampuran palace has now been converted into an antique museum.
A flagpole- dating back to 1827 and the royal emblem of two elephants, a conch and a lamp proclaims a welcome to that place. The renovated palace is an excellent example of the traditional Kerala and Dutch style of architecture. The palace is a two – storied structure with a central courtyard inside.
This museum has the largest assembly of excavated megalithic material, weapons and stamps. You can also glimpse through the old coins of that period, galleries depicting the treasury, royal bedroom, and royal kitchen with utensils. Besides the tombs of Shakthan Thampuran and other noblemen, there is a snake shrine, a tank, a temple and a heritage and a straggling garden with innumerable collection of flowers, plants and trees.
The imposing laterite masonry walls in the lime mortar, plastered with lime, are extremely thick. This is a typical Dutch characteristic. The projecting porch in the front and the arched veranda add beauty to this symmetrical piece of architecture. The timber roof is covered with Mangalore pattern tiles and has a double slope.