Kilimanoor palace

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Kilimanoor palace is famous as the birth place of Raja Ravi Varma, the celebrated painter from India.

Contents 1 The Palace 2 History 2.1 Kilimanoor palace and Travancore royal house 3 Personalities 4 References 5 Footnotes

[edit] The Palace

The Palace complex spread over six hectares. The palace complex comprises the traditional residential structures of Kerala like the Nalukettu, small and medium sized buildings, two ponds, wells and sacred groves(kaavu). Raja Ravi Varma is said to to have built and maintained few of the buildings from proceeds of his paintings. Few families related to the Travancore Royal House, resides here.

[edit] History

This Royal House at Kilimanoor has a history of more than 300 years. Although the ealiest of the buildings have been built much before, It was in 1753, the Palace was built as the present complex. Kilimanoor palace occupies a prominent place in history of Kerala.

[edit] Kilimanoor palace and Travancore royal house

In year 1705 (ME 880) the a son and two daughters of Ittammar Raja of Beypore Thattarikovilakam, a Kolathunadu royal house was adopted to the Royal house Venad. Ittammar Raja 's sister and her sons, Rama Varma and Raghava Varma settled in Kilimanoor and married the now adopted sisters. Marthanda Varma, the founder of the Kingdom of Travancore was the son of Raghava Varma. The nephew ^[1] of Raghava Varma , Ravi varma Koil Thampuran, married the sister of Marthanda Varma. Their son became to be known as Dharma Raja Kartika Thirunnal Rama Varma. In 1740 when an allied forces ^[2] lead by Dutch, Captain Hockert supporting Deshinganadu king, attacked Venad , an army from Kilimanoor tactfully resisted and then defeated them. Although a small victory, this was the first time an Indian army defeated a European Power. In recognition of this feat, Marthanda Varma, in 1753 exempted the areas under control of Kilimanoor palace^[3] from taxes and proclaimed autonomous status^[4]. The presnt palace complex was also built during this time. The present Ayyappa temple^[5] for the family deity,Sastha or Ayyapan ^[6] was also built.

Velu Thampi Dalawa held meeting at Kilimanoor palace planning his revolts on the British. He had handed over his sword at the palace before went for his final battle against British. India's First President Dr Rajendra Prasad received the Sword from the palace and is now kept at the national Musem in Delhi.

[edit] Personalities

• Raja Ravi Varma, Famous Painter
• Kareendran thampuran, Poet, Composer, Childhood friend Of Swathi Thirunal
• Raja Raja Varma, Uncle of Raja Ravi Varma.
• C.Raja Raja Varma Koil Thampuran, Painter, Brother of Raja Ravi Varma

[edit] References

• Website on Swathi Thirunal
• Kerala tourism
• Royal Ark Website
• Column in The Sunday Express by Shreekumar Varma
• [Sivasankaran Nair K, VeNAadinTe pariNamam (വെണാടിന്റെ പരിണാമം), in Malayalam,Current Books, 2005.
• From the Tourist brochure by Kilimanoor Kottara Charithra Sangraham, Kilimanoor Palace.

[edit] Footnotes

1. ^ Sister's son. According to the matrilineal System prevalent at that time children born of the female members only belonged that house.
2. ^ The forces were from Kochi, Thekkumkoor, Deshinganad (present kollam) and Purakkad who had enemity against Marthanda Varma
3. ^ Most of the area under the present Kilimanoor and Pazhayakunnummel panchayats.
4. ^ Although under his kingdom
5. ^ Original temple being at Nerumkaithakotta, Near Kozhikode
6. ^ It is also said Shaastha and Ayyappa are different