FAQs On Kuthiramalika

Kochi , Kerala, India

The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, officially known as Puthenmalika (meaning 'New Mansion'), is a magnificent testament to the opulence and artistic brilliance of the Travancore Royal Family. This historic palace was constructed by the esteemed ruler Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma in the 19th cen tury (specifically between 1840 and 1844) adjacent to the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The palace was built to serve as the residence of the Maharaja and to host the famous annual music festival, the Swathi Sangeethotsavam. The literal translation of Kuthiramalika is 'Mansion of Horses', a name derived from the 122 exquisitely carved wooden horses that adorn the wooden brackets supporting the southern roofline of the palace. These smiling, wooden equines are the palace's most distinguishing feature and a brilliant example of traditional Kerala craftsmanship. The palace was left largely unoccupied after the demise of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in 1847 and fell into a state of neglect for over a century. A portion of this splendid structure was eventually restored and opened to the public as a museum on April 1, 1995, providing a rare peek into the life and collections of the erstwhile rulers. The museum today showcases a priceless collection of artifacts that belonged to the royal family. Inside the sixteen, now nineteen, rooms opened to the public, visitors can explore a vast array of possessions, including traditional furniture, exquisite wooden paintings, various Kathakali figures, antique ornaments, and a collection of weapons and armory. Highlights include two famous thrones: one made of shimmering Bohemian crystal gifted by the British, and another carved entirely from the tusks of 32 elephants, which underscores the royal family's extravagance and influence. The entire structure, built from materials like teakwood, rosewood, marble, and granite, is a spectacular fusion of indigenous Kerala architecture with subtle influences, offering a truly immersive historical and cultural experience in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. It serves not just as a museum but as a living monument to the artistic patronage and cultural legacy of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, who was a renowned musician and composer himself. The palace continues to preserve and promote the traditional arts, keeping the spirit of the Travancore era alive for contemporary visitors.