Mattancherry Palace, Kochi

Mattancherry Palace, located at Mattancherry in Ernakulam district, better known as the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese in 1557, presented to King Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi. The palace was included in the "Provisional List" of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The murals of Mattancherry Palace are one of the important examples of Hindu temple art.

Mattancherry Palace is a quadrangular structure built in Nalukettu style and is a two-storeyed building. The splendor of the palace rests on the large number of frescoes executed in the best traditions of Hindu temple art.

1. In 1951, Mattancherry Palace was restored and declared a centrally protected monument. The renovation will elevate the historic structure to a building and a museum of an international standard, while preserving its originality, yet highlighting important aspects, the palace is an architectural masterpiece showcasing the blend between colonial and Kerala architecture.
2. The Pazhayanoor Bhagavathy Temple, located between the Mattancherry Palace and the Pardesi Synagogue, is the ancestral deity or paradeity of the Cochin royal family. The royal patronage temple, which shares its wall with the Jewish synagogue, speaks to the religious tolerance and intercultural harmony that existed during the time of the Cochin Empire.
3. The treasures kept in the palace are Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins with floral designs, silver sequined gowns, royal chhatris made of silk and brass, ceremonial royal swords and other royal items. The weapons on display include sheathed swords, daggers, spears, etc.
4. The walls of the palace are decorated with elaborate mythological murals in rich warm colours. The remarkable mural painting is in the Royal Bed Chamber which depicts the complete story of Ramayana.
5. The painting covers approximately 100 square meters and dates back to the 17th and early centuries. There are also intricate representations of Hindu gods and goddesses. The story of Kumarasambhavam by the great writer Kalidasa and the frescoes depicting Krishna Leela and Shiva Leela are awe-inspiring.

📅 Last update: 2024-06-23 || ✍ Author: Sandhya Chauhan

Meet Sandhya, exploring India with curiosity and wonder. She shares info and tips in simple language, inviting you to join the journey. She is graduated in tourism and writes about the places of India.