Mattancherry Palace

In the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala, also known as Mattancherry Palace, there are murals with Art of Hindus as well as with portraits and exhibits of the Rajas ( Kings) of Cochin.

History of the palace

The Dutch Palace with its medieval charm is at the end of Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi. It was built by the Portuguese and the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma ( 1537-65 ) paid in 1555 - presumably to secure trading privileges. The palace was built to appease the king after the Portuguese had looted a nearby Hindu temple. The Dutch renovated and enlarged the palace in 1663 - hence the name Dutch Palace. The Rajas altered the palace often later. Today it houses a portrait gallery of the Rajas of Cochin, and it is known for its wall paintings with Hindu myths, which are among the best of its kind in India.

Historical Background

The landing of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese conquerors in 1498 was welcomed by the rulers of Kochi. They received trading rights, and they fought off the constant attacks of the Zamorine. The Rajas of Cochin were practically became vassals of the Portuguese. The influence of the Portuguese was replaced later by the Dutch, who - aided by the Zamoris - Mattancherry in 1663 conquered. After the Dutch period, the region was taken over by Hyder Ali and still later by the British East India Company.