Dutch Palace of Mattancherry, Kerala: embodies history, artistic brilliance and cultural resilience of Kerala.

Navrang India September 01, 2025

Interior Mattancherry Palace kochi 
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When Kerala was under the spell of Dutch influence before the arrival of the British a few centuries ago, their brief stay  had an impact on the local region in terms of building  designs - be they places of worship or residences. They had a trading cum military  posts here at some places to get deeply involved in Spice trade for which the coastal Malabar was famous  for several centuries before the arrival of the Portuguese in May 1498. 

Mattancherry Palace kochi, KE keralabee.com

Mattancherry Palace kochi, KE tourism-of-india.com

Above  image:  Dutch Palace or the Mattancherry palace, on palace Road,  Mattancherry near Kochi was built by the Portuguese and it was gifted to the ruler of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma (1537-65) in 1555 AD.........

Malabar coast, Dutch and Portuguese at war. en.wikipedia.org

Above image: The battle between the Dutch and the Portuguese in December 1661on coastal Malabar. On March 21, Rijckloff Van Goens signed a treaty with the local chief of Paliyam on a ship anchored off the coast. Soon, Dutch forces soon landed and attacked the palace of the queen at Mattanceri. Subsequently, the queen was taken as a prisoner. Later in December 1661, Portuguese Quilon was captured by a Dutch expedition under Rijckloff Van Goens. This is often regarded as the beginning of the Dutch presence in Malabar..............

The Mattancherry Palace, often referred to as the "Dutch Palace," stands as a fascinating testament to the intertwined histories of European colonial powers and local rulers in Kochi, Kerala. While its popular name attributes its influence to the Dutch, its origins lie with the Portuguese, and its architecture is a unique blend of various influences, reflecting the ebb and flow of power and cultural exchange in the region.

Architectural Origins and Evolution
Portuguese Foundation (1555 AD): The palace was originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1555 AD and gifted to Veera Kerala Varma (1537-65), the then ruler of Kochi. This act was not one of goodwill but a strategic move to appease the local ruler after the Portuguese had violated trade treaties and even destroyed a Hindu temple. Initially, the Portuguese had benefited from the support of local rulers in the spice trade, but their growing hostility and violence eventually led them to assert dominance.

Dutch Renovation (1663): The arrival of the Dutch in 1663 marked a significant shift in regional power dynamics, leading to the decline of Portuguese influence. Upon gaining control of Kochi, the Dutch undertook major renovations of the palace, leading to its common appellation as the "Dutch Palace."

Local Additions: Subsequent local rulers also made additions and modifications to the palace to suit their requirements, further contributing to its unique architectural character.

Architectural Features and Design
The Mattancherry Palace is a remarkable example of a building that outwardly appears European but deeply incorporates traditional Kerala architectural elements.

Overall Impression: From the outside, the palace presents a European façade with unique masonry walls, round-headed windows, arches, and doors. However, its sloping tiled roof and wooden balconies are distinctly native to the Kerala region, creating a harmonious blend.

Nalukattu Style: The two-story palace is built in the Nalukattu style, a traditional Kerala architectural form characterized by a quadrangular structure with a central courtyard. This style is known for its practicality in the local climate, promoting ventilation and providing a private, serene space within.

Central Courtyard and Shrine: Within the central courtyard, a small shrine dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavati is located. This deity is considered the royal family's protector and source of strength. The presence of this shrine reinforces the integration of religious and cultural beliefs into the palace's design.

Adjacent Temples: Flanking the Dutch Palace are two more temples, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and another to Lord Krishna, further emphasizing the spiritual significance of the site for the Kochi royal family.

Woodwork and Interiors: The interior of the palace is a "sermon in wood."

Decorated Wooden Panels: Beautifully decorated wooden panels depict weapons, headdresses, robes, and palanquins used by the Rajas of Kochi, offering a glimpse into the royal paraphernalia.

Dining Hall Ceiling: The Dining Hall is notable for its amazingly well-carved wooden ornate ceiling, adorned with a series of brass cups, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.

Rosewood Covered Main Hall: The main hall is covered in rosewood, adding to the richness of the interiors.

Steep Stairway and Carved Ceiling: An east-side rectangular chamber is accessed via a steep stairway and an entrance porch with a finely carved and painted ceiling.

"Kerala Flooring": A striking feature of the palace is its traditional Kerala flooring. While appearing like polished black marble, this durable and aesthetically pleasing surface is meticulously crafted from a unique mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices, and egg whites. This time-consuming process yields a stunning and distinctive finish.

Murals: The palace houses an incredible collection of murals, renowned for their artistic quality and religious themes.

Mythological Episodes: These valuable murals are religious in nature, drawing inspiration from Hindu mythological subjects.

Ramayana and Krishna Lila: Prominent among them are murals depicting scenes from the great epic the Ramayana and approximately 40 murals from the 16th century illustrating the Krishna Lila (stories of Lord Krishna) in the bed chamber (Palliyara).

Kalidasa's Works: Murals from episodes of Kumarasambhavam and other works by the renowned Sanskrit poet Kalidasa are also present, showcasing the artistic and literary tastes of the era. These paintings demonstrate exceptional imagination, artistic skill, and patience.

Exhibits: Beyond the architectural elements and murals, the palace also serves as a museum, displaying royal paraphernalia, weapons, swings, and furniture, providing insight into the lifestyle of the royal family in past centuries.

Significance in the Region:
The Mattancherry Palace holds immense significance for several reasons:

Historical Chronicle: It is a tangible chronicle of the complex historical interactions between indigenous rulers and foreign colonial powers – the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and subsequently the British (though the text primarily focuses on the Portuguese and Dutch influence). Its architectural evolution mirrors the changing political landscape of Kochi.

Cultural Fusion: The palace is a prime example of cultural fusion in architecture. It showcases how foreign influences were adopted and adapted to local traditions, creating a unique synthesis that is distinct from purely European or purely Kerala styles. This blending is evident in its external European appearance combined with internal Nalukattu design and traditional Kerala woodwork.

Artistic Heritage: The palace's murals are a national treasure, representing a high point of Hindu temple art in Kerala. Their detailed depictions of mythological narratives offer invaluable insights into the religious beliefs and artistic conventions of the past.

Symbol of Royal Legacy: As the residence and seat of the Kochi Rajas, the palace symbolizes their enduring legacy and their connection to the cultural and religious fabric of the region.

Tourist Attraction and Educational Site: Today, the Mattancherry Palace is a major tourist attraction in Kochi, drawing visitors from around the world. It serves as an important educational site, offering a vivid glimpse into Kerala's history, art, and architectural traditions, fostering an understanding of the region's rich heritage.

Resilience of Traditional Construction: Like many traditional structures, the palace's continued existence, despite centuries of use and exposure to elements, testifies to the robustness and ingenuity of ancient construction techniques and materials.

In essence, the Mattancherry Palace is more than just a building; it is a living museum that embodies the multifaceted history, artistic brilliance, and cultural resilience of Kerala.


Wikipedia: Mattancherry Palace, Kochi.

Kerala Tourism: Mattancherry Dutch Palace at Kochi, Ernakulam

History of Cochin Royal Family: Mattancheri Palace and Its Mural Paintings

Papers relating to Cochin (Tamil Digital Library