Heritage zone adorns Trivandrum Landscape
June 5, 2010
Trivandrum with a rich collection of heritage Zones dotting its landscape is a dream for any culture enthusiast. Temples, traditional styled buildings and other constructions of a bygone era is a window to the past. Prominent among the heritage zone is the Fort area with the Padmanabhapuram Temple located at an elevated point within the fort being the crowning glory. Palaces, quarters for the temple priests, ponds and other buildings stand testimony to the architectural skills of the craftsmen . Built in Dravidian and Kerala style they are splendid examples of architectural excellence. The temple is surrounded by Madoms which are the residing abode of the temple priests located at Mithrandapuram and Agraharams of Tulu and Tamil Brahmins.
Other structures around the area like the Vilwamangalam Samadhi, Nelpura (granary), Mithranandapuram pond, Fort School, Fort Hospital, old jail, Ramanamadhom complex, Saraswathi Vilasom palace, Valiya Koyikkal Palace reflect the cultural traditions, festivities offering us a peek into the lifestyles of the people of yesteryears.
Palayam laying at the heart of the city is another piece of heritage location and this place has some outstanding buildings. The buildings and premises of heritage significance in this area include: Kanakakkunnu Palace, Old PHED office, Waterworks Compound, Public office buildings, Napier Museum, Sreechitra Art Gallery, Museum Gates, Natural Museum building, University Men’s Hostel, Public Library, Fine Arts College, University College Compound, Linguistic Department Blocks, Kerala University old building and Science & Technology Museum old building.
Other buildings whicr are of historical importance in the city include Poojappura Mandapam, Vanchiyoor Court,Women and Childern Hospital, Thycaud , General Hospital main old building GH Jn, Vellayambalam palace, Old main building of Police HQ, Bank House Building, TRIDA main building, Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam (Centrally Protected Monument). Churches and Mosques in the city stands testimony to the pluralistic values held the people of Trivandrum in the past. Churches in Thiruvananthapuram City including Palayam CSI Church, LMS Church etc. and Palayam Mosque are also splendid architectural specimen. Mandapams – wayside rest places – made of wood and granite at Mankattukadavu, Kaimanam, Karamana are worth the time and need to be preserved for the future generations.
With such an abundance of structures and monuments Trivandrum city offers a slice of the past for the enthralled visitor.
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Heritage zone adorns Trivandrum Landscape
Trivandrum with a rich collection of heritage Zones dotting its landscape is a
It is Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple and not Padmanabhapuram Temple.
on June 6th, 2010I know that it’s a great big task looking after and maintaining heritage buildings. But this has to be given top priority. Our old palaces, temples and bungalows reflect our culture. Even the roads and pathways in front of these should be restored to what it used to be. But who cares, just as we have neglected one of the most beautiful canal systems in the world. Politicians are not interested in preserving our culture and heritage.Promotion through melas, festivals and mega shows are what they are into, but only for political mileage. The monies collected through these means should go towards preserving our culture and our identity, by doing restoration work on heritage buildings, and the restoration of our canal systems. There is no point in boasting of Alleppey as “The Venice Of The East.” Restore it to it’s original status and maintain it thereafter. A visual impact of our heritage and culture is a must.
on June 6th, 2010In Kerala we have so many government bodies besides the big ones like KSEB, PWD, KWA etc, that have been instated to look after the interests of our beautiful Kerala. But where is the commitment? If government employees did their jobs with dedication, things would have been different. We would rather better our own living conditions, than also that of others. Government bodies should go out to the people, and get the common man involved too. They cannot do this by just sitting in an office the whole day, wasting time doing nothing except looking at files and indulging in small talk and other activities.
We have a lot to learn from the West about progress and development. Corruption is not the real enemy. Government apathy is, in matters of public service.
very true…
on June 6th, 2010heritage buildings are slowly but surely vanishing
we talk more do less
we are proud of our possessions but we don’t know how to preserve them
Yes.Uma is right
on June 7th, 2010“Muttathey mullakku manam illa”, the malayalam adage holds good for TVm. I wonder how many amongst us have visited some of the heritage sites like the Palace at Nedumangad(forgot the name)
on July 21st, 2010great article.
on May 22nd, 2011have seen many landscaped places all over india, but have to agree that nothing competes the “natural” landscapes of kerala !