British Residency

British Residency
Government Guest House

British Residency in Asramam
General information
Architectural style European-Indian-Tuscan
Town or city Asramam, Kollam city
Country India
Coordinates 8°53′52″N 76°35′10″E / 8.897906°N 76.586191°E
Construction started 1811
Completed 1819
Client Col. John Munro
Design and construction
Engineer Captain Arthur

The British Residency (Malayalam: ആശ്രാമം ബ്രിട്ടീഷ് റെസിഡന്‍സി), also known as Government Guest House and Residency Bungalow, is a two-storeyed palace situated at Asramam in the city of Kollam, Kerala, India. It is very close to the old Kollam Airport situated at Asramam in the city.[1] It was actually built by Col. John Munro during 1811 and 1819. It is now known as Government Guest House. It stands as a Hallmark of Quilon, like Chinnakada Clock Tower.[2] The bungalow is also known as Residency Bungalow.

Architecture & Structure

The British residency is a unique one for its symmetry, and harmonious blending of variegated artistic features. During the British Raj, the building served as British Residency. It was built during the Travancore reign by Gowri Parvati Bayi when Col. John Munro was the British Resident.[3] It is an architectural marvel in Kerala.[4] A blend of European, Indian and Tuscan architecture. Central portion of the building has a rounded front, with a large gable decoration. The atop of the building is like a crown with a lion seated on it, with the words Dieu et mon Droit (God and my right) inscribed above.[5] 10 feet tall doors are made-up of glass panes. Conference hall in the palace has an antechamber. An adjustable partition-like door with a large fanlight arching over, divides the two rooms. The building had rich wooden flooring on the upper floor. The walls of the conference hall having cornices and dentils bordering the four sides have embossed designs of festoons, urns, and floral forms. A motif of a large arch with an ornamental keystone, resting on pillars is embossed over the main doorway.[6] Edward Rose garden was the another main attraction of this mansion.[7]

Antique prints in polished wooden frames adorn the walls. One that depicts the battle of Seringapatnam, dating from 1802, is particularly engrossing. "This is one of the most elegant buildings in India", said Prof. Pandala, his voice choked probably by the poignant conditions in which the complex today stand.[8]

An old snap of British Residency

See also

References

  1. ↑ British residency - Kollam
  2. ↑ Asramam British Residency - Kollam
  3. ↑ Harmony in architecture
  4. ↑ Kollam, Ashtamudi Lake - great alternatives to Kochi, Vembanad Lake
  5. ↑ The Residency at Kollam
  6. ↑ KOLAM HISTORY AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
  7. ↑ Flower show does ‘well’
  8. ↑ Kollam(City of Quilon) and Ashtamudi Lake - A great alternative to the known charms of Kochi and Vembanad Lake