The Nayaks of Madurai ruled this place in the 16th to 17th century and during this time King Thirumalai Nayak erected a magnificent palace, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Built in 17th-century the palace was designed by the Italian architect. This Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian, Islamic styles.
The building, what we see today was the main Palace where the king lived. The original palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure.
The palace is constructed using brick and the surface details and finish is done using mix of shell lime and egg white giving it a smooth and glossy texture. The richly decorated interior is a contrast to the exterior. The pillars supporting the arches are 13 m tall.
This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. Today, only Swargavilasa, a spacious rectangular courtyard and a few adjoining buildings survive. The courtyard measuring 3,900 sq.m with massive circular pillars showcases the grandeur of a vanished era. The pavilions topped with finials that were covered with gold are on either side of the courtyard.
To its west lies the Throne Chamber, a vast room with a raised, octagonal dome. The palace with its exquisite decorations is very grand when compared to any other palaces in the area.
This palace is open for the visitors from 9am to 5pm.
The building, what we see today was the main Palace where the king lived. The original palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure.
The palace is constructed using brick and the surface details and finish is done using mix of shell lime and egg white giving it a smooth and glossy texture. The richly decorated interior is a contrast to the exterior. The pillars supporting the arches are 13 m tall.
This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. Today, only Swargavilasa, a spacious rectangular courtyard and a few adjoining buildings survive. The courtyard measuring 3,900 sq.m with massive circular pillars showcases the grandeur of a vanished era. The pavilions topped with finials that were covered with gold are on either side of the courtyard.
To its west lies the Throne Chamber, a vast room with a raised, octagonal dome. The palace with its exquisite decorations is very grand when compared to any other palaces in the area.
This palace is open for the visitors from 9am to 5pm.
Such treasures of India ~ Magnificent photos for Mosaic Monday ^_^
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent palace. It is so ornate. It must have been quite a sight when it was in use as a palace.
ReplyDeleteThis palace looks like a wonderful place to visit. I enjoyed your photos. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteWow that is beautiful and interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe building is majestically beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful capture
ReplyDeletegreat details :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful. Nice post.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/04/talakona-waterfalls-hidden-secret.html
Oh, what a majestic palace! Your photography is superb, but I bet it was truly awesome to see this in real life.;)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Beautiful Pics and post!
ReplyDeleteYes, certainly is very nice with excellent colored columns.
ReplyDeleteThe intricate carving is awesome!
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks magnificent!
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome palace and superb captures, Rajesh!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful world!
ReplyDeleteAmazing palace! Awesome captures!
ReplyDeleteSo amazing Rajesh...I learn something new everytime I visit. Not the most important thing I learned here today, but fascinating to me was the paint made with lime and egg white!
ReplyDeletesuch exquisite details!
ReplyDeleteThe people help give a sense of scale to this majestic place. And to think this is just one of hundreds such palaces/temples! Amazing!
ReplyDeletemind blowing architecture. very romantic i think.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be one of the prettiest architectural marvels you have ever posted. I can't get over the use of egg whites in the painting. That is so interesting. The high ceiling is awesome...really beautiful. The builders of years ago left no stone unturned when constructing this palace. genie
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place, Rajesh, and your captures are terrific as always!! I left a comment earlier, but for some reason it disappeared???? Anyway, it's a great post as always! Have a good week!
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful palace. the dome looks splendidly remarkable.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a magnificent place!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of a place i wanted to visit!. Your pictures captured the grandeur well!
ReplyDeleteInteresting Post...
ReplyDeleteThis is a magnificent palace. The arches are amazing. It's hard to imagine what the complete complex looked like all those years ago.
ReplyDeleteMeravigliosa architettura.
ReplyDeleteMi piacerebbe molto poter visitare l'India.
E' una nazione piena di mistero e religiosità.
By Myriam :))
A very impressive building. Great captures.
ReplyDeletethere are so many of these amazing places!
ReplyDeleteSuch intricate work is amazing. To think there were finishing glazes made of egg whites and shells boggles my mind.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason to visit India some day! Nice!
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
Gorgeous photography for ABC ^_^ ~ magnificent buildings.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful palace. I love the intricate work around the arches.
ReplyDeleteI missed this in Madurai! Just visited the temple and came off.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and regal - I love the detail. Nicely captured for "N"!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! Impressive architecture.
ReplyDeleteAmazing architecture!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating the beautiful palace.
ReplyDeleteA ravishing beauty this palace!! The octagonal dome is magnificent!!
ReplyDeleteAlways a great detailed buildings.
ReplyDeleteFalling behind with letter N but trying to catch up before letter O rolls in.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Imposing architecture wonderfully shot!
ReplyDelete