Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

The legend of a crown

It provides interesting facts of history

The crown of the Kings of Kochi continues to fascinate people. There are many legends associated with it, including the reasons for the kings placing it on their laps rather than adorning it.

The crown provides interesting facts of history and insights into the socio-political history of the empire and the life of the kings.

Studded on the 1.75-kg gold crown are 69 emeralds, 95 diamonds and 244 rubies - sufficient enough to elaborate on its value, at least in terms of its present market value, leave alone its antique worth.

Now, the Crown Gallery that houses the crown and 197 ornaments used by the kings is open to the public round the week at the Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura.

Earlier, the gallery was opened to the public only on three days. The major hurdle before the museum authorities in displaying it on all days was the procedural formalities involved.

Each evening, the crown has to be sealed in a special cover in the presence of senior officers of the museum and the police. Likewise, the cover can be opened for display only in their presence.

The high antique value attached to the crown and the ornaments made it mandatory to follow these procedures every day.

Now that some officers have been put in the charge of opening and sealing the cover, the crown will be displayed on all days except on Monday, which is a holiday for the museum, said P.K. Gopi, documentation officer of the Hill Palace Museum.

The gallery timing is between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

A large number of visitors from abroad and far-off places had requested the authorities to keep the gallery open on weekdays.

Moreover, the crowd management during the three days also posed some problems to the museum authorities, Mr. Gopi said.

Was it the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who presented the crown to the Kings?

Was there a decision from the Kings that they will wear the crown only after achieving a long-cherished dream? Historians float several theories. But the legend continues.

K.S. Sudhi

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