Case4-May-2012
Of all the ancient cities of India, Madurai has a unique place with its literary efflorescence, puranic glories and continuous long history. Madurai has trade contacts with the cities situated on the banks of river Ganges and as well as the Greeks and Romans. Even today, Madurai keeps its glorious past, traditional temple festivals and political importance intact.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace : It is believed that the celebrated Nayak King Thirumalai Nayak (A.D.1120- 1659) erected this palace around A.D.1636. There were two main portions ie. Swargavilas and Rangavilas, enclosed by a high wall called Parimathil. Most of the structures of the Palace have been destroyed and only one fourth of the palace exists today. The elephant staple, horse court, vasanthavavi, garden, officers residences, playground, the temple of the Goddess Rajarajeswari and other parts of the original palace were destroyed due to obvious reasons. The northern part of the Palace, seems to have existed by the side of the Naubat-Khana street. The king Thirumalai Nayak believed to have resided in the celestial pavilion called Swargavilas, which still exists. The remaining existing parts of the Palare are a large courtyard, darbhar hall, pooja room, natakasala and bed chamber.
The upper portion of the Palace is decorated with a number of beautiful domes supported by wonderful short but heavy columns. Attractive arches, stucco figures and stucco works are some of the artistic splendours of this Palace. This is an ancient South Indian Palace constructed by lime, bricks, wood, and stone, showing curious workmanship and great beauty. The Palace is the best example of Indo-Sarasanic architecture, ie. an admixture of traditional Hindu and Muslim architecture.