Chronology of status of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram):

1. Originally Forest- Ananthan Kadu

2. Later an Educational Centre - 'Kanthalloorsala'

3. Temple town evolved around 'Sree Padmanabha Swamy' temple

4. The settlement gained importance as Padmanabha Swamy temple emerged as thee spiritual capital of 'Venad' rulers.

5. Became the capital of Tavancore Kingdom.

6. Became the capital of Kerala state in India.

7. Besides being the state capital the city has gained as an important centre for IT, space research and Tourism in India.

Trivandrum Heritge

The seat of Travancore Kingdom..

http://i1.tinypic.com/xndxk8.jpg

Kowdiar Palace then

http://i2.tinypic.com/xneyjb.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/xneyxv.jpg

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State has its history dating back to very early times and its antiquity is undisputed. The significance of the settlement in the region reached its pinnacle, since the capital of Travancore kingdom was shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Fort Area here during the reign of Dharma Raja (1758-98 AD).

Inside of fort was a well-planned settlement surrounding Padmanabha Swamy temple. This includes numerous other temples, teertha (sacred tanks), centres of learning & religious instruction, places of food storage & distribution, buildings to accommodate Tanthris, scholars etc, palaces of the royal families & other aristocratic families, row houses of Tamil & Tulu Brahmins and other upper caste Hindu population. Cleanliness of public places featured high priority during that period.

IMPORTANT HERITAGE PRECINCTS IN THE FORT AREA

Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple, standing in the elevated focal point of Kottakkakom (inside of the fort), is the best specimen of the Dravidian architecture in Kerala State. At the same time, it is also recognised as the splendid monument for the fusion of Dravidian and Kerala architectural features. The hoary antiquity of Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple is clear from the hymns of the Vaishnava saint Nammalwar of 9th century. Thiruvananthapuram was the spiritual capital of Venad kingdom, being the seat of Sree Padmanabha, the family deity of the rulers of Venad.

The temple spreads in a compound measuring 570 ft x 510 ft (around 7 acres) known as Mathilakom. The 100 ft high, seven-storied gopuram on the eastern entrance to the temple (built in granite and brick with elaborate sculptures and ornamental works) dominates the skyline of the Fort area and is the premier landmark of the capital. The foundation of the gopuram was laid way back in 1566 AD during the reign of H. H. Adithya Varma. The sacred tank [Padmatheertham] is located on the northwestern side of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple.

Despite changes in name of the ruling houses, the deity of the temple -Lord Sree Padmanabha Swamy - had enjoyed continued emotional allegiance and royal patronage. With the famous Thrippati Danam, the deed of dedication of H. H. Marthanda Varma the great in 1750 AD, Sree Padmanabha Swamy became the monarch of the state of Travancore. All honours reserved for sovereign were transferred to the family deity - Sree Padmanabha. The kings of Travancore thence forth ruled only as slaves of the lord which was later recognised by even the British Government !

The Fort Wall, originally constructed by H. H. Marthanda Varma the great in 1749 AD, was partly demolished by the British after the uprising of Velu Thampi Dalawa so as to lessen the security in an act of retribution and was reconstructed with mud. However, a good portion of this historic mud wall portion was demolished in the post-independence period due to lack of awareness on the importance of preserving such historic structure. Each of the seven gates of the Fort depicts different architectural styles.

The main Palace Complex in the Fort Area is located at the southeastern side of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple. Palaces of royal family and their relatives are also located at different locales within and outside the Fort. The most compendious view of palatial architecture in the state can still be obtained in the Fort area where a succession of rulers built a series of palaces that reflect change of taste in the passing of time and exhibit influences other than purely indigenous. The layout and decoration of older palaces; such as those of H.H. Marthanda Varma the great and H.H. Swathi Thirunal; illustrate the Padmanabhapuram style, though later buildings show influence of western style.

Being the capital of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom, the Fort area had to accommodate various office buildings, most of which; including that of Peshkar (Minister); are located on the south-eastern corner of the palace complex. Though the Nithya Chelavu bungalow [office for daily money transactions] is located in this area to the north of Thekke Theruvu, the Chellamvaka [royal treasury] is located within the palace complex precinct, closer to the street towards the main entry to the temple of Sree Padmanabha Swamy; the absolute ruler of the kingdom.

In addition to palaces, Madhoms [especially those of Thantris of Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple at Mithranandapuram], Agraharams of Thulu Brahmins, and residences other upper caste Hindu population often accompanied with individual temples dominate the rest of Fort area and its immediate environs. Many other places of great heritage significance other than residences adorn west and north-west areas such as the Vilwamangalm samadhi, Nelpura (granary), Mithranandapuram pond, Fort School, Fort Hospital, old jail etc. These structures are not only the specimens of architectural practices, but also reflects the culture traditions, festivities and life styles during different periods.

Arat Road to the west of Fort, is characterised by residential buildings –Ammaveedu, on both sides giving the street a unique character. Annually, festivals are held twice at the temple and on the concluding day, the image of Sree Padmanabha Swamy will be carried in procession (lead by the Maharaja) through this road to Sanghumughom beach for bathing and worshiping the image.

I am new to skyscrapercity. Though I have some nice images, I couldn't post it, as I failed miscerably in inserting those pictures!!!!!

Ambu,

Here is some info on how to post images. Keep posting them.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=194364

I was just wondering, Kerela Architecture style seems very similar to Burma and China style buildings. A mix. Why is that?

PMG Building in Trivandrum, Capital of Kerala
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/rajithtvm/PMG1.jpg

This is one of the old streets in Trivandrum which is still preserved
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/rajithtvm/oldstreet.jpg



Government Fort Hospital, Trivandrum - OP corridor.. You can see two OP counters.
This hospital is an old one started by the Royal Family.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/rajithtvm/oldforthospital.jpg



and look at this ....
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/rajithtvm/house-1.jpg



and this.... (this is inside Kuthiramalika Palace, Trivandrum)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/rajithtvm/house-2.jpg

Kuthiramalika Palace
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/KM_4.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4623/thiru0029yr.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8811/trivandrumcentralrailwaystatio.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3041/trivandrumcentralrailwaystatio1.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8811/trivandrumcentralrailwaystatio.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/1520/10005926nn.jpg

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8342/golfclub22hh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/9666/golfclub19fm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/2493/golfclub32ly.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice pics. Thanks Sudheesh.

It appears that Kerala has been the land of several different religions.
Are there any religious heritage structures in Trivendrum.
I see a temple gopuram behind the Kuthiramalika Palace.
does any one has a pic of Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple.

Nice pics. Thanks Sudheesh.

It appears that Kerala has been the land of several different religions.
Are there any religious heritage structures in Trivendrum.
I see a temple gopuram behind the Kuthiramalika Palace.
does any one has a pic of Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple.

There are a lot of religious structures in Trivandrum.

The temple you see behind Kuthiramalika Palace is Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

These pictures remind me of Europe. Gr8 job Sudheesh. :)
Cheers !!!

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/5783/padmanabha8ps.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8243/padmanabaha8hz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Padmanabha Swamy Temple is inside a Fort Wall. The main entrance is facing this gate.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8264/eastfort6mg8gd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

View from Gandhi Park

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8973/eastforttrivandrum2ep.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The 8th century old temple was renovated by the King "Marthanda Varma" in 1733 A.D. The temple is a fine specimen of South Indian architecture. Lord Vishnu is the diety and He reclines here on the coils of Anantha the serpent.
The temple is in the heart of the city and is protected by Fortified walls and Fortified wall gates on four sides. The city bus stand is in the East Fort Area.
The magnificent temple tower rises in ten stories against the reflecting pool in front.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/rajithtvm/vishnu-temple.jpg

Bit more on the Padmanabha Swamy Temple - The most impressive temple complex in Kerala, it also has several other architechtural features -

- A thousand pillar hall

- "Singing pillars" - specially carved stone pillars which emit sounds according to the "Sapthaswaras" - the seven notes which are the basis of music. This is among only 2-3 such collections in India.

- The largest idol in any temple - the reclining Vishnu, which is made of a mix of rare metals, special woods and precious metals.

- The mandappam, in the sanctum santorum, is made of a single giant block of stone, weighing well over a 100 tons!

- The temple and its sprawling pond - the Padmatheertham - are reputed to be linked to the sea, which is 4-5 Kms away, as the bird flies.

This temple evokes a sense of awe in all the devotees who visit it. It is controlled by the Travancore Royal Family, and follows strict traditions, such as the fact that no western attire is allowed within its walls.


The Gopura of the Temple

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ice1s.jpg


Admire the stone Carvings

http://i4.tinypic.com/10icgw7.jpg

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/5783/padmanabha8ps.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8243/padmanabaha8hz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Excellent pics. These are the best pics of sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple I have ever seen.
Thanks Sudheesh. Thanks Rajith.

The Gopura of the Temple

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ice1s.jpg


Admire the stone Carvings

http://i4.tinypic.com/10icgw7.jpg

Awsome structure and fine sculpture.
Thanks Rajith.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9158/fineartscollege7fs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/962/fineartscollege19li.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5790/keralasecretariat9lu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3562/keralasecretariat23me.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/9338/keralasecretariat14fa.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hello,

I have greatly enjoyed the photos of the Padmanabha Swamy Temple and its incredible carving.

Can anybody tell me what is the purpose of a Gopura?

Is it hollow inside, and does it have rooms inside?

Does anybody know how old this carving is?

Or when the building was constructed?

Regards

Nick

A Gopuram is a temple gate - instead of enlarging a central shrine, Maharajas in the past would enlarge the gates, either for contruction reasons (i.e. the shrine was already built) or to keep the central shine itself modest. It serves the same purpose as all the other asian temples gates, such as the Torii (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii) of Japan. Here is an example of a Torii and and Indian temple gate:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/10/Shinto_shrine.jpg
A Torii in Japan.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/SanchiGate.jpg/495px-SanchiGate.jpg
A Torana in India.

Historically, I think the temple gate today used across asia originated in northern India, (as did the pagoda), and was taken to China, Korea and Japan via Buddhism, (although I cant be sure). The Indian name for temple gates (including Gopurams), is Torana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/), which sounds linquistically related to the Japanese name - and this is what the Gopurams evolved from. The Torana above seems to be the one from the Sanchi stupa near Bhopal, built by Asoka during the Maurya dynasty. They usually display fierce carvings which act as symbolic temple guards - hence the common way that lions like this one are depicted in India, China, etc, on temples:

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4116/28gp.jpg

Historically, power in India dosent stay in one place - the first empires meant that Indian economy was most intensified around regions like Bihar - later it moved south to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, etc - before moving north again to Rajastan, Gujerat and Maharasatra, etc... A lot of Gopurams, (including maybe the one above), were consequently built during the time when the most powerfull economic region was around the south - in the centuries just before and just after 1000 AD - northen style ones like Tanjore were built in the South before the styles seperated.

http://img75.echo.cx/img75/6261/meenachikovildetails8bi.jpg

Gopurams are generally partly hollow, although only due to the way they are built - they are generally carved out of solid Indian granite - which is harder than steel, and so each individual figure on the structures would take years, even decades, to produce. Mud ramps up to two miles long were built up to the temple, so that elephants could drag each block (weighing several tons), into place.

The most famous Gopurams are at Srirangam and Madurai:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=245585
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=179812

I can never decide which style of temple I like best - they are so beautifull. A lot of temples in India should be world wonders, but are not very well known about outside India, there is even one near Mumbai, the Ellora temple, that was carved out of solid rock rather than built - i.e. craftsmen carved the entire temple like a giant statue from the top to the bottom, including interiors, etc:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Ellora_cave16_003.jpg/800px-Ellora_cave16_003.jpg (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Ellora_cave16_003.jpg)

Also it should be noted that southern and northern is not a real divide - just a euphomism - infact some of the earliest 'southern' style temples occurred in Rajastan, and some of the earliest 'northern' style temples occured in Karnataka :-)

They were Teli-ka-Mandir in the north and Galaganath in the South. Teli-ka-Mandir featured a gopuram, and Galaganath a typical 'beehive' type structure like the famous Orissan temples, etc.

All these styles were covered by 'vaastu shastra' - the Indian version of 'feng shui'. Like wikipedia says:

Indian archutecture has influence the world, especially eastern asia, due to the spread of ideas with Buddhism. A number of Indian archutectual features such as the temple mound or stupa, temple spire or sikhara, temple tower or pagoda and temple gate or torana, have become famous symbols of asian culture, used extensively in East Asia and South East Asia. The central spire is also sometimes called a vimanam. The varient southern temple gate, or gopuram is noted for its intricacy and majesty. The arch, a cornerstone of world archutecture, was first developed by the Indus Valley civilization, and would later be a staple of Indian archutecture.

Hello Vaastu Shastra,

Thank you for a most interesting and complete answer to my questions about these lovely temple gates.

Although I have never been to the south of India, I have travelled across the north, and I never failed to wonder at the incredible stone carvings especially in such hard rocks as were used.

I come from a part of England famed for its limestone church building, which also have some very beautiful carving, but both the stone is much softer and therefore easier to carve, and the quantity of statutes is much less.

There must have been entire armies of these carvers to build some of these temples.

I have worked in my school holidays on restoring old buildings, and watched workmen making new bits, so I can well appreciate the effort involved. Are there any Indian craftsmen still working who can acheive this standard of work today?

In our churches many of the carvings are though to be of actual people. Often the men who built it, or the people who raised the funds to pay for the church.

Do you think that this could be the case in India with the supporting people, who appear around the central gods, or are these all "holy deities"?

Regards

Nick

Hello Vaastu Shastra,

Thank you for a most interesting and complete answer to my questions about these lovely temple gates.

Although I have never been to the south of India, I have travelled across the north, and I never failed to wonder at the incredible stone carvings especially in such hard rocks as were used.

I come from a part of England famed for its limestone church building, which also have some very beautiful carving, but both the stone is much softer and therefore easier to carve, and the quantity of statutes is much less.

There must have been entire armies of these carvers to build some of these temples.

I have worked in my school holidays on restoring old buildings, and watched workmen making new bits, so I can well appreciate the effort involved. Are there any Indian craftsmen still working who can acheive this standard of work today?

In our churches many of the carvings are though to be of actual people. Often the men who built it, or the people who raised the funds to pay for the church.

Do you think that this could be the case in India with the supporting people, who appear around the central gods, or are these all "holy deities"?

Regards

Nick

I think a lot of them are meant to be holy men or philosophers, aka rishis/sadhus/gurus/etc, as well as avatars of god - but because that kind of art is so stylised, it would be hard to tell if they based the carving on real people... I think they were probaby just made along traditional patterns of carving, similar to how murtis/Hindu-statues are made in a set way - and those of them that represented an avatar are re-consecrated every 12 years through a ceremony. According to a documentary I once saw on them on discovery channel, thousands of paid labourers were required to build each temple, and each Maharajah contructed multiple temples - which is a testement to the Indian economy of the past, which Angus Maddison, in his book 'The World Economy: A Millenial Persepctive', estimated was the largest of the ancient world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_India - a lot of them have been in use continuously since the day they were constructed. These temples were really the theme parks of their day - facilities built on government wealth for the people to enjoy, im not sure what role private donors, etc, played in their construction, however today, private donors pay for modern temples.

On the subject of whether people can still meet ancient standards today - I am not sure whether they can or not, but they certainly come close. Temples like this are still built in India today (due to a revival movement within archutectural circles), one of the most famous recent ones being Akshardham temple, in Delhi - http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=272693 - which is built in a combination of northen substyles, and is rather large. Here is a picture from that thread of an army of carvers, not unlike those in ancient times - although working with more modern tools and softer stone:

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/146-27f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/146-29f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/142-20f.jpg

Also they are built in Singapore, London, and other places where there is some Hindu community, either from ancient ties or modern immigration - Shri Swaminarayan mandir in London was constructed out of imported Indian marble, and Sri Mahamariamman in Singapore features a Gopuram complete with carved figures.

Ive also always loved gothic European carving - I wish there were restoration efforts in India that were as thourough as those in Europe - India has some enormous palaces and temples which are simply abandoned, and inhabited by wild animals.

Historically, I think the temple gate today used across asia originated in northern India, (as did the pagoda), and was taken to China, Korea and Japan via Buddhism, (although I cant be sure). The Indian name for temple gates (including Gopurams), is Torana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/), which sounds linquistically related to the Japanese name - and this is what the Gopurams evolved from. The Torana above seems to be the one from the Sanchi stupa near Bhopal, built by Asoka during the Maurya dynasty. They usually display fierce carvings which act as symbolic temple guards - hence the common way that lions like this one are depicted in India, China, etc, on temples:


Excellent post VaastuShastra, I really enjoyed the whole post. Why dont you blog it somewhere for posterity? Wikipedia is prone to arbitary changes.

I have a query about the Northern origins of Pagoda as you mentioned above. Till now, I thought one sees pagoda-ish temple/residential architecture in South-Western coastal(Travancore-Malabar-Konkan coast) areas of India and the hilly North-east India and Nepal?

I am interested in knowing any Pagoda-type temples in North of India. Any help/pointers on where I can find info on them?

About DeMorgan's query about quality of contemporary carvers, to add on to what VaastuShastra has mentioned, the traditional methods of stone/metal carving (or any other hand made pieces of art) are gradually fading away. Often times I have heard laments from brass/bronze traders of Kerala saying that the "proportionality and elegance" of the older generation of carvers are missing in today's carvers. Then again the younger carvers fight back saying that is not true, they are faster and the finishes are better because they can concentrate more on finer details than on chipping away the material.

I think the truth is somewhere in the middle - the older gen carvers carve slower, but they have time to ponder on improving the posture, proportion etc of the piece. The younger gen guys churn out stuff faster, which have better finish and details, but sometimes the big-picture (proportionality etc) is lost :)

Also as mentioned in Vaastu's picture of the Madurai Meenakshi temple, the Padmanabha Swamy Temple tower's statues are not carved(as in stone/metal), they are made of stucco. Not sure if the statues are moulded in big volumes, though.

Yeah, one wishes the reconstruction efforts are more grassroots like that seen in Europe (both Western and Eastern Europe). Also the zoning laws around these places came much later. Thus one can find landmarks in India, smack in the midst of teeming markets etc(these places used to be city centers for centuries). That kind of prevents good long/medium distance views like that available elsewhere

Excellent post VaastuShastra, I really enjoyed the whole post. Why dont you blog it somewhere for posterity? Wikipedia is prone to arbitary changes.

I have a query about the Northern origins of Pagoda as you mentioned above. Till now, I thought one sees pagoda-ish temple/residential architecture in South-Western coastal(Travancore-Malabar-Konkan coast) areas of India and the hilly North-east India and Nepal?

I am interested in knowing any Pagoda-type temples in North of India. Any help/pointers on where I can find info on them?

Unfortunatly, due to their more perishable nature, many no longer exist - but it is the Bihar/Nepal region from which they came - the craft has survived in Nepal. Also, temple spires themselves, i.e. the '7 pagodas' of Mahabalipuram, are sometimes refered to as pagodas.

Originally, the pagoda itself evolved from the stupa - so it is at the very least decended from that beggining. Some Chinese literature refers to pagodas 'modeled on' Indian ones, so unless this ment it was inspired by a vimanam those are probably speaking of them.

The pagoda as people think of it today, i.e. a square multi-layered building, is a Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese variation - whereas pagodas in South East Asia resemble stupas still - perhaps then pagodas like this one in Orissa:

http://vaishali.hp.infoseek.co.jp/RajgirStupa.jpg

..are what the scriptures were refering to. The buildings that you mentioned in Kerala, arnt actually pagodas, per se, but are influenced by Chinese archetecture which came to India through extensive sea trade, hence the resemblance.

I guess there is some relation between spires and pagodas, for example, the Chinese pagoda below was based on the Indian mahabodhi temple:

http://www.warriortours.com/china-photos/hohhot/inner.mongolia.hohhot.five.pagoda.temple.50023820w.jpg

http://www.geo.org/mahabodhi.jpg

People seem to refer to the temple tower of Hindu/Buddhist temples as 'pagodas', so they may also be a decendant.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/KM_1.jpg



http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/KM_2.jpg



http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/KM_3.jpg



http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/KM_4.jpg



http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/kuthiramalika1.jpg



http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/kuthiramalika3.jpg




http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/km.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/km5.jpg




http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/km6.jpg




http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/km7.jpg




http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/km8.jpg




http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/km9.jpg




http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/kmh1.jpg




http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/tvm/kmh2.jpg

Krishnapuram Palace was constructed during the reign of Marthanda Varma (1729-58), the King of erstwhile Travancore.

There was a palace here before, of the king of Kayamkulam. When the Travancore King defeated Kayamkulam, he demolished the original palace, and a small wooden palace was erected in the same place.

This wooden palace is specially noted for its peculiar architectural style, which is a typical "PATHINARU KETTU".

Krishnapuram Palace is located 100 kms north to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), in Aleppey district.

This palace is also noted for "GAJENDRA MOKSHAM" the largest single panel of Mural Painting found in Kerala.

The palace is now converted to a Museum under the Archeology Dept.
:
:
:




The Entrance

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris1.jpg


Post Letter Box.. Old one.
The Travancore kingdom had an independent postal or Anchal System with a mail transport service including a boat mail service and the Railway Anchal Service.
The Anchal (post) service was started in Travancore from 1800s itself.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris2.jpg

The first adhesive Anchel Stamp was introduced on 16-10-1888 in denomination of 1,2, & 4 Chuckrams (1 Chuckram = 3.57 paise) in ultramarine, red and green printed on laid paper bearing a large sheet watermark showing a conch shell surrounded by "GOVERNMENT" in an arch with "OF TRAVANCORE" below in a straight line.
Below is the picture of the Indian Stamp, on which the old Travancore stamp models are reproduced.

http://i5.tinypic.com/21oni0x.jpg


See the roof style.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris5.jpg


http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris6.jpg


Ancient Potteries

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris4.jpg

The model of an old temple at Palakkad.
This is one among the few temples in Kerala having three 'Dwajams' of copper.

The dimensions of this temple from the front, and rear is different.
From the front side, the temple dimension is triangular (pyramid structure).
From the Back side, the dimension is circular.

Front View.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris7.jpg

View from the Back.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris9.jpg

Palace Pond.. It was raining...

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris11.jpg


This is the part of the Palace Pond, where Kings/Queens used to bath.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris13.jpg


Roof structure once more

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris14.jpg

This is a dead pot !!! yes i mean it..

In old times, when children were dead, the body was kept in this clay pot; closed, and then buried in the ground.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris15.jpg


Thoppikkallu (Cap Stone). - used to mark the burial area.
This stone structure is placed on top of the burial area where the dead pot (body of the child will be inside the dead pot) was buried.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris16.jpg


Palanquin - This was the 'vehicle' of Queens.
Four people called "Amalanmar" will be carrying this 'vehicle', with the Queen inside, to the destinations.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris17.jpg


Wooden stair case, which goes to the upper floor.
The ceilings of the floors are made of wood, wood and only woood!!!

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris18.jpg


Kayamkulam Sword
This sword is a special one made with some unknown alloy. The sword has two blades, unlike the usual swords with only one blade which was popular that time.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris19.jpg

The Corridor
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris20.jpg


A Royal Chair
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris21.jpg


Bible - in Sanskrit !!!
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris22.jpg


Map of Travancore Kingdom
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris23.jpg


http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris24.jpg


http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris25.jpg


http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris26.jpg


Budha statue - more than 500 yrs old (not the one in the left :) )

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris28.jpg


http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris29.jpg


http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris30.jpg

The elstwhile Travcore Dynasty, with its Capital at Trivandrum has one of the richest traditions in the world. Please go through the various pictures posted in this thread before. Those who have more pictures may kindly post them.
cheers

Wow, the pictures of the traditional monuments, forts & palaces are great.
Ofcourse, Trivandrum is not only India's Evergreen City ; it is a city of Palaces, Forts & Temples too.
cheeeeeeeeeeersssssssssss

Great pictures ..thanks

Brahmi Scripts

The Brahmi scripts are one of the oldest scripts in the world. It dates back to 3rd century BC.

Brahmi is the ancestral script to most of the scripts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Tibet, and perhaps even Korean Hangul. The Brāhmī numeral system was the ancestor of the Hindu-Arabic numerals, which are now used world-wide.

The photos are of the rock scribblings preserved in the Krishnapuram Palace.


http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_Brahmi1.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_Brahmi2.jpg

MURAL PAINTINGS...

Mural Paintings are ancient painting style which prevailed in India, especially Kerala.
These were drawn on walls or cielings of palaces and temples.

The traditional style mural art form uses natural pigments and vegetable colours only.


1. Saint Vishwamitra introducing Rama and Lakshmana to Janaka, The King.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_mural1.jpg


2. Sampathy and Hanuman - Charecters from the epic, Ramayana.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_mural2.jpg


3. Rama splitting 7 trees in a row with his single arrow. Remember the story from Ramayana.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_mural3.jpg


4. Rama giving his ring to Hanuman (before Hanuman sets out for "Search Seeta" mission.:) )
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_mural4.jpg

Great Posting Rajith.... Thanks....

Keep It Comin....:angel:

Mural Paintings.. contd..
1.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_mural5.jpg

2.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_mural6.jpg

3.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Kpuram/kris_mural7.jpg

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/5783/padmanabha8ps.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8243/padmanabaha8hz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The gopuram of this temple seems exceptionally wide to me. Is there a certain aesthetic to how wide (relative to height) the gopuram can get? Does a wider gopuram mean anything?

Great thread too! I note a certain unique style in many of the buildings here. The roofs seem similar to South East Asian roofstyles, but combined with a colonial body.

Wow - Every time I see Keralite architecture I'm impressed anew. Its by far the most sophisticated and tasteful wooden construction in India.

This really very nice city and I like this all the picture you share with us and really very beautiful place.

The public library, Trivandrum
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6601/24022011149.jpg

Amazing.
Valare nanni for the photos.

There are still many places in the world which are really wonderful to see. But few are in lime light and few of them got exposed.