- Kilimanoor palace
Kilimanoor palace is famous as the birth place of
Raja Ravi Varma , the celebrated painter fromIndia .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 have built and maintained few of the buildings from proceeds of his paintings.Few families related to the Travancore Royal House, resides here.
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.Kilimanoor palace and Travancore royal house
In year 1705 (ME 880) the a son and two daughters of "Ittammar Raja" of
Beypore "Thattarikovilakam", aKolathunadu royal house was adopted to the Royal house ofVenad . "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 ofTravancore was the son of Raghava Varma. The nephew [ Sister's son. According to the matrilineal System prevalent at that time children born of the female members only belonged that house.] of Raghava Varma , Ravi varma Koil Thampuran, married the sister of Marthanda Varma. Their son became to be known asDharma Raja Kartika Thirunnal Rama Varma.In 1740 when an allied forces [The forces were from Kochi, Thekkumkoor, Deshinganad (present kollam) and Purakkad who had enemity against Marthanda Varma ] lead by Dutch, Captain Hockert supporting Deshinganadu king, attacked Venad , an army of 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 [Most of the area under the present Kilimanoor and "Pazhayakunnummel"panchayat s.] from taxes and proclaimed autonomous status [Although under his kingdom] . The presnt palace complex was also built during this time. The present Ayyappa temple [ Original temple being at "Nerumkaithakotta", Near Kozhikode] for the family deity,"Sastha" or Ayyapan [It is also said Shaastha and Ayyappa are different] 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 DrRajendra Prasad received the Sword from the palace and is now kept at the National Museum inDelhi .Personalities
*
Raja Ravi Varma , Famous Painter
*Kareendran thampuran , Poet, Composer, Childhood friend OfSwathi Thirunal
*Raja Raja Varma , Uncle of Raja Ravi Varma.
* C.Raja Raja Varma Koil Thampuran, Painter, Brother of Raja Ravi VarmaReferences
* [http://www.swathithirunal.in/rel_kilimanoorpalace.htm Website on Swathi Thirunal]
* [http://www.keralatourism.org/index.php?zone=4&menu=19&issue=154&cat=8&news=2132065960 Kerala tourism]
* [http://4dw.net/royalark/India/trava3.htm Royal Ark Website]
* [http://www.newindpress.com/sunday/colItems.asp?ID=SEH20060420071548 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.Footnotes
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