Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Glorious past, a grander future

The renovation of the Hill Palace complex will now be possible with funds allotted by the State government, says K. PRADEEP

PHOTO: H. VIBHU

MAKEOVER MODE The official residence of the Maharajah of Cochin, the Tripunithura Hill Palace, is one of the most relevant archaeological museums in the State

The state of heritage buildings has always been something of a contradiction of circumstances. There was a time when these buildings were taken for granted. They were seen simply as vestiges of a time gone by. There has certainly been in the shift in attitudes and mindsets. At least a growing handful of people have begun to think that the heritage buildings need to be preserved. But even while architectural legacies are being considered as invaluable investments economic considerations have certainly threatened its existence.

Official residence

Once the official residence of the Maharajah of Cochin, the Tripunithura Hill Palace is now the largest archaeological museum in the State. The palace complex consists of 45 architecturally relevant buildings sprawling over 52 acres of beautifully terraced land. The majestic structure atop a hillock, overlooking manicured lawns, fountains, well-laid gardens, now, despite very good care, is desperately in need of immediate attention.

The paint has long faded from its walls, black stains are visible, and there are hints of moist green peeping out from the many cracks in the buildings. Some of the buildings are in a near dilapidated condition. The earliest of them, the single-storied `ettukettu,' that dates back to 1850, the adjacent ponds and structures are in a run-down state. The decision of the state government to set apart Rs. 7.5 crores in the last budget has come as a shot in the arm for the preservation efforts of this Heritage Complex.

"We got the final order in this regard in September 2006. For almost a year we could not do anything. Initial work will begin this June or July. A decision has been taken to spend Rs. 2 crores in the first phase for which we have invited tenders. Only experts and experienced people will be allotted the work. We have sought opinions from archaeological architects. Work will begin with the `ettukettu' and adjoining structures. We have insisted that no change be made in the original," informs S. Hemachandran, Director-in-Charge, Archaeology Department.

Till the time of the last maharajah, Pareekshit Thampuran, who died in 1964, the royal family used to spend an average of Rs. 10 lakhs annually for the maintenance of the palace complex. "Then for sometime the affairs of the Palace Administration Board was managed by a Receiver appointed by the court. Following this the Cochin University used the palace. During these periods no maintenance work was done. Certain buildings, like the royal stables, deteriorated to shambles from where nothing could be done.

In fact, the PWD even went about constructing and adding to the existing structures. "Even now you can see some grotesque sheds with asbestos roofing, lavatories, etc. that they had constructed. We will be demolishing them, as it does not confirm to the heritage and architecture of the palace. The Archaeology Department took over in 1981 and that was when regular maintenance started once again, " says P. K. Gopi, Documentation Officer, Hill Palace Museum.

This preservation and conservation project, the biggest in terms of the funds allotted, will begin from the minute and for the most obvious damages. It will go on to maintain the building precinct or artefacts in its present state to prevent and retard deterioration. The aim is retaining its significance, whether architectural, historical, environmental or cultural.

"In the second phase we have plans to improve the gardens around the palace. Landscaping will be done and also new lighting. Once the lights come we can think of opening the area to visitors till about 8 p.m. Space can be provided for eateries and for small cultural programmes," says Mr. Hemachandran.

But before this there are pressing renovation work that has to be addressed to immediately. "There's so much work to be done. The Centre Block or the erstwhile Cabinet Hall, where now keep the crown and throne needs urgent repair. The ceiling, especially, the planks, crossbeams needs to be attended to.

I feel that along with his major work we need to have the regular maintenance once in ten years, as it was done in the past. The renovation work must be given top priority. After that we can focus on the garden, beautification and all that," feels Mr. Gopi.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail