Kuthira Malika
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Kuthira Malika or the "Mansion of Horses", is a palace built by Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, on the south-eastern side of Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The palace gets its name from the 108 horses that are carved into the wooden wall brackets that support the southern roof.
Built in the 1840s, Kuthira Malika is fine example of traditional Kerala architecture, with its typical sloping roofs, overhanging eaves, pillared verandahs and enclosed courtyards. Intricate carvings adorn the wooden ceilings with each room having a distinctive pattern.
Kuthira Malika is also called Putthen Malika ("New Mansion"), and forms part of a vast complex of royal buildings in the vicinity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The building was left unoccupied for more than a century, following the untimely demise of Swati Thirunal in 1846.
A portion of Putthen Malika has been converted to a Palace Museum that houses some of the assets owned by the Travancore Royal Family. The collection includes Kathakali mannequins, Belgian mirrors, crystal chandeliers, paintings, armaments, musical instruments and other artifacts. On the first floor are rooms that once served at the audience chamber, the library and an alcove that the poet-King used for meditating and for conceiving many of his famous musical compositions.
The courtyard of Kuthira Malika is the venue for Swathi Sangeethotsavam, the yearly music festival commemorating the legacy of the Great Composer Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. This festival of music is conducted from 6th to 12th January every year, attracts many of the leading stalwarts of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. The festival is organised by Prince Rama Varma along with HH Sir Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore Trust.
