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10 Amazing Facts About the Magnificent Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai. Amazing Facts About Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai. The city of Madurai, famously known as the ‘Athens of the East,’ is a tapestry of history, culture, and stunning architecture.
While the Meenakshi Amman Temple often takes the spotlight, a short distance away stands another monumental masterpiece: the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
Erected in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak of the Nayaka dynasty, this palace is a mesmerizing blend of various architectural styles and a testament to the grandeur of its time.
Here are 10 amazing facts about this historical gem that will make you want to visit!
1. A Fusion of Architectural Styles
The palace is a classic example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, but its design story is much richer. It’s a spectacular fusion of Dravidian, Islamic, and even European (specifically Italian) styles, believed to have been designed by an Italian architect commissioned by the King.
The high arches speak of Islamic influence, the huge white columns hint at European inspiration, and the intricate carvings reflect the native Dravidian artistry.
2. Originally Four Times Larger
What you see today, magnificent as it is, is merely a fraction of the original structure. Historians estimate that the original palace complex was four times larger than the present-day monument. It was a sprawling complex encompassing the King’s and Queen’s residences, a theatre, a harem, an armory, temples, gardens, and ponds.
3. The Celestial Pavilion – Swargavilasa
The most striking part of the palace that survives is the Swargavilasa or the ‘Celestial Pavilion’. This grand central courtyard and the adjacent audience hall are its crowning glory, renowned for their scale and elaborate decoration.
4. Pillars of Staggering Height
One of the most defining features is the sheer size of its pillars. Lining the corridor and supporting the structure, some of these massive columns are reported to measure up to 82 feet in height and have a circumference of 19 feet!
5. Architectural Marvel Without Girders
The spectacular dome of the Swargavilasa is an architectural marvel. It was constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the time.
6. Built with a Secret Ingredient for Polish
The palace’s exquisite surfaces and stuccowork, known as chunam, have a glossy, smooth texture. This was achieved by mixing shell lime (chunam) with egg white to create a plaster that was then meticulously polished.
7. A Royal Act of Vandalism
Ironically, the palace’s partial destruction was carried out by a member of the royal family itself. King Thirumalai Nayak’s grandson, Chokkanatha Nayak, is said to have dismantled much of the fine structure and removed precious materials to build his own palace in Tiruchirappalli, a plan he never fully realized.
8. Restoration by a British Governor
The current state of the palace is thanks to the partial restoration work initiated by the then Governor of Madras, Lord Napier, between 1866 and 1872, who recognized the historical significance of the remains. Subsequent efforts by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department have maintained its splendor.
9. The Dance Hall (Natakasala)
The Natakasala or Dance Hall, located in the northwest corner, is another key surviving structure. This was the venue for royal performances and cultural events, keeping the arts alive in the court.
10. The Evening Light and Sound Show
Amazing Facts About Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai. Every evening, the palace comes alive with a captivating Light and Sound Show. The presentation narrates the history of King Thirumalai Nayak, his victories, and his passion for the arts, using colorful lights and sound effects to illuminate the architectural brilliance.
The Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace is more than just an old building; it is a time capsule reflecting the political, cultural, and architectural zenith of the Nayaka dynasty. Its colossal scale and intricate designs offer a truly unforgettable experience for every visitor to Madurai.