Mattancherry Palace: Jewel of Kochi, Kerala

Mattancherry Palace is one of the most renowned historical monuments in the city of Kochi, Kerala. Built in the Mattancherry region, it is an excellent example of the state's rich history and cultural eras. It gives a peek into the early history of Kochi and its royal past, art, architecture, and the amalgamation of different colonialistic impacts. This article is to look at the history, architecture, and importance of the Mattancherry Palace and what makes it one of the top Kochi attractions.

Background on Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace was initially constructed by the Portuguese in 1555 for the Raja (King) of Cochin. The palace was a gift to the Raja, aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Portuguese and the local rulers. It was first designed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, where it is basically a rectangular building with a huge central courtyard. The palace underwent several renovations over the centuries, especially after the Dutch captured Kochi in the mid-17th century. The Dutch had further expanded and renovated the building, giving their own unique flavor to the architecture. As a result, the palace became known as the Dutch Palace, even though it was originally built by the Portuguese.

The Mattancherry Palace served as the residence of the local rulers of the Kingdom of Cochin for many years, and it was also used as a place for official ceremonies and meetings. Today, the palace is a museum showcasing the history of the Cochin dynasty and the region’s cultural and colonial past.

Architecture of Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace is a beautiful blend of traditional Kerala architecture and European influences, particularly the Portuguese and Dutch styles. The design of the palace is a perfect reflection of the region’s colonial past, with a combination of wood, tile, and stucco elements.

Traditional Kerala Architecture

The overall structure of the palace is in the traditional Kerala Nalukettu style, which refers to a type of architecture characterized by a rectangular shape and a central courtyard. Rooms are built on all four sides of the central courtyard, and the open space in the middle allows for better airflow and light. This style is commonly found in many Kerala homes and buildings from the colonial era.

Dutch Influence

When the Dutch took over the palace in the 17th century, they added their architectural flair to the building. They introduced features like tiled floors, wooden beams, and large windows that allowed for better ventilation. The Dutch influence is particularly visible in the upper floors of the palace, where you’ll find the large, spacious rooms with high ceilings.

Woodwork and Paintings

One of the most prominent features of the Mattancherry Palace is the excellent woodwork. The palace is adorned with intricately carved wooden pillars, beams, and doors, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. Another highlight is the wall murals in the palace. The murals are painted in the traditional Kerala style and depict scenes from Hindu mythology, including stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These murals are considered one of the most beautiful aspects of the palace, and they offer valuable insight into the artistic traditions of Kerala.

The Museum at Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace has been transformed into a museum that is open to the public today. The artifacts that the place displays vary from portraits of Rajas of Cochin, royal belongings, and historical objects to highlight the region's history and culture. Some of the notable exhibits at the palace are:

Portraits of the Cochin Rajas: The museum has several portraits of the Cochin kings, which offer a glimpse into the region’s royal past.

Ceremonial Weapons: The museum showcases ceremonial swords, shields, and other weapons that were used by the royal family.

Traditional Costumes: The museum displays royal costumes and jewelry, giving visitors a sense of the opulence of the Cochin dynasty.

Mural Paintings: The palace’s walls are adorned with vibrant murals that tell stories from Hindu mythology and showcase the artistic traditions of Kerala. These murals are an important part of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Dutch-era Objects: The museum also houses several objects from the Dutch era, such as furniture and artifacts that reflect the influence of the European colonial period in Kochi.

The museum provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Kochi and the Cochin dynasty, as well as the cultural and colonial exchanges that shaped the region over the centuries.

Visiting Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace is in the Mattancherry area of Kochi, just a short distance from Fort Kochi. The palace is easily accessible by road, and it is a popular stop for tourists exploring the historical sites of Kochi.

Timings and Entry Fee

The palace is open to visitors every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Fridays when it remains closed. The entry fee for the museum is quite reasonable:

Indians: 10 INR

Foreigners: 50 INR

Children: Free

The palace is a great place to spend a few hours if you’re interested in learning about Kerala’s royal history and colonial past. The architecture, the murals, and the artifacts make it a fascinating experience for history and culture enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mattancherry Palace is during the cooler months, between October and March, when the weather in Kochi is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. The monsoon season (from June to September) is best avoided, as heavy rains may disrupt travel plans.

Other Attractions Near Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace is in a vibrant historic district that has much more to offer. Some nearby attractions include:

Jewish Synagogue: The oldest active synagoges of the Commonwealth are to be found in Mattancherry, just next to it. It is known for its beautiful tiles and to commemorate the history of the past.

Dutch Cemetery: Dutch Cemetery next to the palace is the other historical site that provides insight into the colonial past of Kochi.

Mattancherry Market: The local market near the palace is a great place to shop for spices, antiques, and souvenirs. It’s a lively area to experience the vibrant culture of Kochi.

Kochi Fort: Fort Kochi is a short distance from Mattancherry Palace and is home to the famous Chinese fishing nets, historic churches, and colonial-era buildings.

Conclusion

The Mattancherry Palace is one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in Kochi, Kerala. The palace offers a glimpse into the region's royal past and colonial heritage through its fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and Kerala-style architecture. The museum inside the palace has a collection of royal artifacts, murals, and items from both the Cochin and Dutch periods, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.