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The
architecture of Kerala is a unique amalgam of external influences that are
both foreign and Indian, in origin.
The Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim stretching upto China had the
greatest impact on the style of architecture of Kerala.
The manifestation of external influences is evident in Kerala's
architecture with its gabled roofs and all wood, coconut-frond thatched
constructions. The 'Nalukettu'
is flanked by out-houses and utility structures.
The traditional houses of Keralities are built in accordance with the
principles of 'Thatchushastra', the science of carpentry and
'Vaastushastra' the ancient Indian science of architecture.
The most remarkable emblem of traditional architecture is the 'Nalukettu',
the ancestral homes of feudal joint families known as 'Thara Vadu'.
The 'Paddipura' (a gabled gateway) serves as the entrance to the walled
compound. This pattern of architecture became a standard feature of feudal
Kerala.
The Padmanabhaswamy
Temple and the Napier
museum in Thiruvananthapuram,
the Bolgatty Palace
in Kochi the Arakkal Palace at
Kannur and the Kolathiri Palace at Chirakal
are but only a few examples of Kerala's architecture.
