On my guided sightseeing trip with Jithu, he also took me to Mattancherry Palace Museum in Kochi (aka Cochin).
The museum occupies a 16th-century Portuguese palace, known as the “Dutch Palace” after later renovations. Construction of the palace began around 1555. It was gifted to Vira Kerala Varma (the Raja/King of Kochi at the time) as compensation for a plundered temple.
The palace became the royal residence in 1665. This two-story quadrangular structure features spacious halls. It houses three temples. This includes one for the royal family’s deity, Pazhavannur Bhagavathi (a form of the Mother Goddess).
The museum is located on the upper floor, which contains the coronation hall, royal chambers, and dining hall. The palace’s most remarkable feature is its murals covering 300 square meters, painted in three phases. These depict scenes from the Ramayana and various Hindu deities, reflecting Kerala’s artistic, literary, and social heritage. The museum also displays royal portraits, palanquins, weapons, attire, and other artifacts of the Rajas of Kochi.
Fascinating architectural details include thick laterite walls, traditional Kerala-style sloping roofs made of terracotta tiles, and elaborate wooden ceilings. The palace offers a glimpse into the Portuguese-Dutch-Kerala cultural exchange. Its construction techniques feature European-style arched doorways. These are alongside traditional Kerala wooden artisanry.
The murals were created using natural pigments. They date from the 16th to 18th centuries. These artworks highlight the sophisticated Keralan painting tradition. They’re particularly notable for their vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and storytelling techniques that bring mythological scenes to life.
Historical significance extends beyond architecture. The palace witnessed numerous diplomatic meetings between local rulers and European powers. These meetings played a crucial role in Kerala’s spice trade negotiations. This strategic importance explains why both Portuguese and Dutch powers invested in maintaining the structure.
The museum collection includes rare royal heirlooms like the ceremonial sword (Odival) of Kochi’s Rajas. It also contains intricately carved furniture. There are examples of the distinctive gold jewelry designs favoured by Kerala royalty.
