Monuments-peeping into the past Page
Monuments-peeping into the past
Monuments are great tellers of History. Volumes they speak on culture, tradition and socio-political scenes in days of yore. The protected monuments come under the administration of Archaeology Department of Kerala. Some of the popular monuments in various districts of Kerala are:
In the southern side of the main complex of Padmanabhapuram Palace but outside the compound wall there is a small palace. It is actually a traditional building in the style of a nalukettu. This wonderful architectural elegance shows the beauty of our domestic architecture. Now a Heritage museum is housed in this building.
Padmanabhapuram was the capital of erstwhile Travancore State till 1792. Now it is in Thakkala village of Kanyakumari district in Tamilnadu State. But the Palace and adjacent area of 6.5 acres of land is placed under the control of the Govt. of Kerala .
Now a folklore and Numismatic museum, the first of its kind in Kerala has been set up by the Archaeology Department. The rich and varied collection of musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk art forms and rare ancient coins etc. displayed here represent the rich cultural heritage of the past. Located in Nedumangad Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram District.
MADAVOORPARA ROCK CUT TEMPLE
Considering the stuctural and historical value, in 1985 the Fort and Fort gates were declared as protected monuments by the Department of Archaeology. Location: Thiruvananthapuram District.
MADAN KAVU
Inside the square 'garbhagriha', Sivalinga is fixed on a rectangle peeta. Two 'dwarapalaka' (sentinel) figures are seen. One of them is of a local chieftain and the other carrying 'gada' (maze). On the north and south walls of the 'ardha' (half) mandapa, there is a figure of Chathurbhuja Ganapathi and a 'bhikshu' respectively. Location: Thiruvalla taluk in Pathanamthitta District.
BUDDHA IMAGE AT KARUMADI
Considering the historic and Architectural value, the Department of Archaeology declared it as a protected monument in 1983. It is situated in Kumili village of Idukki District.
The temple is situated at Melmuri village in Ernakulam district.
Considering the structural importance, this ancient temple was declared as protected monument by the Department of Archaeology in 1998. Location: North Paravoor taluk in Ernakulam district.
TWO IMAGES
TOMB OF ZAMORIN
TOMB OF SAKTHAN THAMPURAN
TOMB OF RAMAVARMA RAJA
ANCIENT HOUSE OF ARNOSE PADIRI AND ST. FRANCIS XAVIER FORANE CHURCH
The church of St. Francis Xavier Forane was constructed by Arnose Padiri in 1724. It is a beautiful monument of Indo-European style. The roof is made in Kerala style with wood and is supported by fine huge wooden beams. The ancient altar and the beautiful murals on the arch surface above it add attraction to the church. The balcony at the back of the main hall of the church having an area of 27 sq m. is supported by wooden elephants.
Considering their historical importance, the ancient house of Arnose Padiri and the church of St. Francis Xavier were declared as protected monument in 1995 by the State Archaeology Department. Location: Talappally taluk, Thrissur district
The writings on the wall of the 'garbhagriha' shows that the murals were completed in 1053 M.E. The temple is located at Eranad taluk in Malappuram district.
Pazhassi Raja: Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja belonged to Kottayam royal family. He revolted againt the British revenue policy by organising the tribals like Kurichiyas and Kurumbas of Wayanad. His strong guerilla warfare could successfully resist the wicked British forces several times. He succeeded in winning the full support of his people in this long war with the foreign power. At last to the ingratitude of someof his fellowmen, the 'Lion of Kerala' had to surrender. But before being captured byt he British he is said to have committed suicide on 30th November 1805. The dead body of the great patriot was brought at Mananthavadi, led by T.H. Baber the then sub-collector of Malabar and buried there with all respect.
The cave and 50 cents of land has been taken over by the Department of Archaeology and declared as protected monument on 4-7-1985.
EZHIMALA FORT AT ETTIKULAM
Ezhimala, may be a variation of 'Azhimala', which meant 'the mount near the sea' was the seat of a powerful kingdom, which comprised the whole of the present districts from Wayanad to Kasargod and produced the great warrior king Nannan in the 5th century. In the later days Ezhimala was the capital of Mooshika and Kolathiri Rajas. Location: Thalipparambu taluk in Kannur district.
- Padmanabhapuram Palace Museum, Thuckalai, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu.
- Folklore Museum at Koikkal Palace, Nedumangadu, Thiruvananthapuram District
- Kottarakkara Thampuran Memmorial Museum for Classical Arts, Kottarakkara, Kollam District
- Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha District
- Hill Palace Museum, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam District
- Archaeological Museum, Kollangodu House, Thrissur
- Pazhassi Raja Museum, East Hill, Kozhikode