Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram: Recent restoration has eroded Heritage Status and Architectural Integrity

Kanakakunnu Palace, Kerala in.pinterest.com

Kanakakunnu Palace Thiruvananthapuram.
clearholidays.com

Kanakakunnu Palace, once a regal structure nestled on a hillock near the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram, is facing a crisis of architectural and heritage erosion. Built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal and later modified by his successor Sree Chithira Thirunal, the palace was originally a classic example of Travancore royal architecture, characterized by red-tiled sloping roofs, intricately carved wooden ceilings, and elegant Italian marble flooring. The structure also featured expansive verandas, fine wooden joinery, and high-ceilinged halls designed to host royal banquets and guests, including British officials during the colonial era.

Kanakakunnu Palace, Kerala   victorianweb.org

However, a recent detailed inspection by the state department has revealed alarming changes to the palace’s original structure. Many of its traditional architectural elements have been compromised. The original Italian marble flooring has been replaced with modern vitrified tiles, while age-old wall paintings have been irreversibly altered with synthetic acrylic paint. The introduction of gypsum partition walls and false ceilings to facilitate a proposed Digital Museum has further disrupted the historical spatial configuration and authenticity of the interiors.

In an affidavit filed before the High Court, Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Khobragade confirmed that the Department of Archaeology has ruled out the possibility of declaring Kanakakunnu Palace as a protected ancient monument under the relevant conservation laws. 

In the legal  entangle, over the conservation of the historic Kanakakunnu Palace and its heritage grounds, the Archaeology department unequivocally reported that extensive unscientific renovation using modern materials had negated  the palace’s historical and archaeological authenticity. There were many significant major alterations in the  interior architecture without any consultation with the Archaeology Department. The floppy works included using gypsum board for partition walls and false ceiling, acrylic painting instead of  traditional wall paintings and the use of vitreous floor tiles instead of original Italian  marble tiles.

Nevertheless, the state government has acknowledged its cultural importance and decided to retain it as a heritage structure under the tourism and cultural departments.

This decision has drawn criticism from heritage experts and conservationists. Prominent architect and member of the Art and Heritage Commission, Eugene Pandala, expressed concern that Kerala’s tourism development activities are inadvertently destroying what tourists come to experience—the state's rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

In response to the tourism department's extensive but insensitive redevelopment plans around the palace and its gardens, green activists and conservationists launched legal action. The High Court recently disposed of the case, allowing concerned citizens to challenge the state government’s decisions through further legal avenues. Petitioners like Sanjeev S J argue that the government has failed to engage qualified conservation specialists and is relying instead on general contractors like the Uralungal Labour Contract Society, which lacks expertise in heritage preservation.

No official heritage restoration plan adhering to conservation guidelines has been announced so far, raising fears that the continued alterations may irreparably damage one of Thiruvananthapuram's most cherished historic landmarks.

https://www.archaeology.kerala.gov.in/protected-monuments

https://www.clearholidays.com/places/thiruvananthapuram/kanakakunnu-palace-grounds

https://victorianweb.org/history/empire/india/trivandrum/14.html

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2025/Jul/18/kanakakunnu-palace-unfit-for-protected-monument-status