Nestled in the heart of Thrissur, the Sakthan Thampuran Palace stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. This architectural marvel, once the seat of the Cochin royal family, now serves as a fascinating museum and cultural centre. Built in the traditional Kerala style with a unique blend of Dutch and Portuguese influences, the palace offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the erstwhile rulers. From its intricate wooden carvings to its vast collection of historical artefacts, the Sakthan Thampuran Palace invites history enthusiasts and travellers alike to explore its grandeur.
About Sakthan Thampuran Palace
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The Shakthan Thampuran Palace in Thrissur, Kerala, is also known as the Vadakkekara Palace. Initially constructed in 1795 in the Kerala-Dutch architectural style by Ramavarma Thampuran, it was later associated with Sakthan Thampuran, one of the most revered rulers of the Cochin dynasty. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace, managed by the Archaeological Department, was converted into a museum in 2005 with state support. It preserves cultural heritage and historical items, offering visitors a glimpse into Kerala’s royal history.
The palace’s architecture combines Kerala’s traditional style with Dutch influences, as seen in its structure and design. The museum now holds a collection of artefacts, artworks, and relics spanning Kerala’s history, illustrating how society and culture evolved during princely rule. This landmark is a tribute to Sakthan Thampuran’s enduring legacy, educating locals and tourists about Kerala’s royal history and architectural beauty.
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Know The History
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The Sakthan Thampuran Palace, known initially as Vadakkechira Kovilakam, is vital to Thrissur’s history. It was the seat of power for King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran from 1790 to 1805, known as the Golden Age of the Cochin dynasty. Located near the Vadakkumnathan Temple, the palace was a residence and played a vital role in the region’s social and political life. Sakthan Thampuran is remembered for his significant contributions, including founding the famous Thrissur Pooram festival. This vibrant annual event in May showcases elaborate processions and competitions between teams representing the Parmekavu Bhagavathy Temple and the Tiruvambadi Krishna Temple. It features grand displays of elephants, percussion music, fireworks, and more, culminating in a dazzling spectacle at the Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Under Sakthan Thampuran’s patronage, the palace underwent extensive renovations to its current appearance. It holds deep historical value, having witnessed essential events like the visit of Tipu Sultan and his army. Today, maintained by the Archaeological Department, the palace preserves Kerala’s royal heritage with artefacts and relics that reflect the region’s rich cultural diversity. It remains a beloved landmark, enhanced by its ancient Sarpakavu (sacred serpent grove) within its grounds, symbolising its profound ties to spiritual and cultural traditions.
Stunning Architecture
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The Sakthan Thampuran Palace, constructed in 1795, is a remarkable testament to the architectural fusion of Kerala and Dutch styles. The palace spans six acres and features a prominent two-storey main building designed in the traditional Kerala Nalukettu style. The structure is characterised by thick walls, high roofs, and spacious interiors adorned with exquisite Italian marble flooring, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of its royal inhabitants. The palace is ingeniously designed to provide a relaxed and comfortable interior environment, even amidst Kerala’s sweltering temperatures. Within the palace complex, significant features include three tombs, one of which belongs to King Shakthan Thampuran himself, adding historical depth to its cultural allure. The southern heritage garden offers a tranquil retreat for leisurely walks and family picnics. It showcases various indigenous Kerala flora alongside medicinal plants, highlighting the region’s botanical richness.
On the northern side, an archaeological garden enriches the visitor experience with exhibits dating back to the Stone Age, discovered on the outskirts of Thrissur town. Additionally, nestled within the palace grounds is a venerable Sarpakaavu, or Serpent Grove temple, a site of worship where serpents are revered in local tradition, further enhancing the palace’s spiritual and cultural significance.
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Museum In The Sakthan Thampuran Palace
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The Sakthan Thampuran Palace showcases the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage through various galleries. The Bronze Gallery features an impressive collection of bronze statues from the 12th to the 18th centuries, reflecting the period’s intricate craftsmanship and religious significance. The Sculpture Gallery displays granite statues from the 9th to the 17th centuries, providing insights into the evolution of sculptural art over nearly a millennium. The Numismatics Gallery is a highlight, systematically presenting ancient coins circulating in the former province of Kochi and neighbouring kingdoms. This collection includes coins from as early as the 5th century B.C., such as Roman gold coins from the Eeyyal hoard, silver coins from Travancore, gold coins like the Veerarayans, and local issues like the otta puthan and iratta puthan by the kings of Cochin. Unique features such as the coin board, which measured large quantities of coins, underscore the region’s commercial development. The Numismatics Gallery also showcases coins issued by Tipu Sultan during his brief rule in Kerala, Indo-Dutch coins, and Malabar coins issued by the French and British Indian coins, each representing different historical phases. The History Gallery offers a detailed chronicle of the milestones of the Kochi dynasty, allowing visitors to explore the achievements and governance of the rulers.
The Epigraphy Gallery focuses on the genesis and evolution of ancient writings, presenting various inscriptions and scripts highlighting the development of writing systems in the region. Additionally, the museum features a Gallery for Household Utensils made of bronze and copper, used by the rulers of Kochi, providing a glimpse into their domestic life and the artistry of traditional cookware. The Megalithic Gallery exhibits artefacts from the great Stone Age, including tools and pottery, shedding light on prehistoric human activities in the area. These galleries offer a comprehensive journey through Kerala’s history, art, and culture, making the Sakthan Thampuran Palace a significant educational and cultural destination.
Sakthan Thampuran Palace Timings And Fees
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The Sakthan Thampuran Palace welcomes visitors from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily except Mondays. Entry fees are INR 20 for adults and INR 5 for children aged 5-12. Additionally, there is a fee of INR 50 for using a still camera and INR 25 for a video camera. This historic landmark offers a glimpse into Kerala’s royal heritage and architectural finesse, making it a must-visit for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
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Sakthan Thampuran Palace showcases Thrissur’s rich history and impressive architecture. Once a royal home, now a museum, it gives visitors a fascinating look into Kerala’s past. With its beautiful murals and ancient artefacts, the palace offers an extraordinary cultural experience worth exploring. So, book your trip to Kerala today and explore the wonders of Sakthan Thampuran Palace firsthand. So, start planning today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sakthan Thampuran Palace
Which land was ruled by Shaktan Thampuran?
Shaktan Thampuran, whose real name was Rama Varma Thampuran, ruled the Kingdom of Cochin (Perumpadappu Swaroopam).
What is the architecture of Shakthan Thampuran palace?
The architecture of Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a mix of traditional Kerala style and Dutch influences. The main structure is a two-storeyed building with elements like a central courtyard (Naalukettu), high roofs, thick walls, and spacious rooms. Interestingly, the floors are paved with Italian marble.
Who was the king of Thrissur?
King Rama Varma IX, known as Sakthan Thampuran, ruled Cochin and resided at Vadakkechira Palace in Thrissur.
What is the history of Thrissur Palace?
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace originally was Vadakkekara Palace. In 1795, King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran had it reconstructed in its current form. After his reign, it remained a royal residence until the mid-20th century. In 2005, the state government converted it into a museum.
What is the old name of Thrissur?
The old name of Thrissur is “Vrishabhadripuram” or “Muchiri” (Kailasam of the South).
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