Kerala Architecture

Kerala on the south-western coast of India has been the admiration of every visitor because of its resplendent greenery and luxuriant vegetation. Every aspect of Kerala art blends into this pervasive greenery with perfect harmony. Nothing is discordant. Every work of art maintains a subdued tone.
The contribution of Kerala in the field of art and architecture, to the cultural heritage of India, is really unique. Kerala has developed over the centuries very distinct styles in the field of architecture sculpture and painting.

Broadly divided Kerala architecture falls into two groups, viz. the domestic architecture and religious architecture. Nalukettu is the traditional form of domestic architecture, which is represented by certain typical public buildings now found in Trivandrum such as the Trivandrum Museum, the Public Library, the VJT Hall, the University College, and the College of Fine arts. They also include the Kavadiyar Palace and the Ka-nakakunnu Palace. Some of the old palace of Cochin and Calicut also represent this domestic style.
Of special repute are the Pad-manabhapuram Palace, the Dutch Palace at Mattancherri, and the Krish-napuram palace at Kayamkulam. These are of exquisite beauty—all constructed strictly in accordance with the norms setforth in Tachu Sastra.

The Padmanabhapuram Palace is in the shape of a Nalukettu with Nadumuttam in the middle. It is reputed for its gabled roof and beautifully carved wooden pillars. "Among the many buildings in the Padmanabhapuram Palace complex, special mention may be made of the Pumukham (the entrance hall), the Mantrasala (the council chamber), the Puja Mandapa (the place of worship), and the stone temple of Saraswati with the Navaratri Mandapa in front." Stone sculptures and wood carvings of superb beauty had added to the grandeur of the palace.

The Dutch palace at Mattancheri is an imposing double-storeyed building constructed in the Nalukettu style of Kerala architecture with a Nadumut-tam . In the courtyard at the centre is the shrine of Pazhayannur Bhagavati the family deity of the rulers of Cochin. The upper storey of the palace 'is the coronation Hall and the adjacent bed-room and other rooms. The Hall is marked out by its covered ceiling. The lower storey consists of many chambers, a big dining hall and a kitchen. This palace reflects both the Kerala and Eurdpean styles. The Krish-napuram palace is also a typical specimen of Kerala style of architecture.

Temple Architecture
Rock-cut temples: The earliest of the rock-cut temples of Kerala appeared in the post-Sangham period. This style itself may be grouped into two: the southern temples with Pandyan influence and the northern with the Pal-lava influence. The most important rock-cut temple is at Kallil near Pe-rumbavur, Originally it was a Jain temple, which later was converted to a Hindu temple with the decline of Jainism, and dedicated to Bhagavati.

Structural Temple
Structural temples appeared in Kerala during the time of the Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram. A good number of such temples were established during the Bhakti movement. Three distinct stages may be noted in the evolution of structural temples. The centuries between the nineth and the twelfth represent the first phase. Upto the sixteenth century this type of temple passed through its second phase. The third stage prevailed upto the eighteenth century. Each of these reflects distinctive features.
Features of Temple Architecture
The lay-out plan of Kerala temples includes the basal platform, Sukanasa, mukhamandapa and sikhara, the interior set-up, whether sandhara or nirand-hara, the features of the wall its cardinal openings or false doors, the pranala type, the presence of the upapitha and a few external items. The absence of the imposing Gopuram is a significant feature of Kerala temples. Another distinctive feature is the dominance of the circular shrine, which is either square or rectangular in Tamil Nadu. Last but not least is the sloping roof and the lavish use of wood in superstructure.

A brief note on the typical Kerala temple as given by S. Venkatasubra-monia Iyer is given below: "The characteristic Kerala temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) which is usually circular (Vritt)in shape but sometimes square (chaturasra) or rectangular (Chaturasradirgha) with a concial or pryramidal roof (Sikhara) crowned by a crest (stupika). Within this Garbhagriha is the idol on a pedestal (Pitha). Round the Garbhagriha is the first prakara called antaraman-dala small balipithas representing the eight digpalas, the seven matris etc.are placed here. A flight of steps called sopana connects this prakara with the door of the Garbhagriha. In front of the sopana is the main mandapa. Round this mandapa and antaramandapa is the second prakara called antahara,forming a broad veranda with doorways on all the four sides. The anthahara leads out into an enclosure containing the main balipitha. After the anthahara we get the third prakara called madhyhara which is essentially a continuous structure having an array of lamps all round from top to bottom. Beyond this and just outside the main balipitha is the flag staff (dhwajastambha). The fourth prakara called bahyahara is beyond this. It forms the pathway for the processions within the temple. The fifth or last prakara is the outer wall of the temple. This is called maryada. The main entrance is through a simple gopura which may be an ordinary doorway with a small roofing or one with a superstructure comprising rooms and verandha. The space between the Garbhagriha and antahara is roofless, so also is most of the space between madhyahara and maryada. This results in every part of the temple being airy and well-ventilated, a distinctive feature of the Kerala temple."

Despite these general features there are variations in design and construction in several temples of Kerala. During the early phase of the evolution of temples, circular shrines were widely built and these were commonly found in southern Kerala. The apsidal type is predominant in central Kerala. The rectangualar and elliptical ground plans are also seen in Kerala. The Sri Padmanabhaswami temple is of the rectangular pattern, and the Siva temple, Vaikom the elliptical. Temples built on square plan are called Sandhara Vimana. Kerala possibily might have derived this type from the Chalukyas and the Pallavas. This type further developed during the second phase. In the last phase of the evolution emerged the consecration of more than one deity in each temple, creating highly ornamented balikkal mandapa and the making of Kuthambalams. The Vadakunnathan temple, Trichur, Siva Temple, Tiruvanchikulam, Vamana temple, Trikkakara, Siva Temple, Vaikom, Janardana temple, Varkala, Tirunakkara Temple, Tirunakkara, Subramonia Temples at Haripad and Kidangur and Kudalmanikkam Temple, Irinjalakuda are the major examples.
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries temples became very complex structures. The main structure came to be concealed. From the architectural point of view the best specimen of the Kerala style of architecture was the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It was a blending of the Kerala and Dravidian styles.

Christian Architecture
Church architecture is in a distinctive style in Kerala. While in domestic and church architecture the Christian community continued to emulate the Nalukettu style of the Hindu architecture, with the arrival of the Portuguese they took steps to introduce new plan and decoration in church buildings.

Moslem Architecutre
It is quite strange that in spite of the significant strides made by the Moslems elsewhere in India, they were not able to contribute anything substantial to architecture. The earliest mosques were similar to Hindu temples in style.
An important feature of mosque architecture of Kerala is the large-scale use of wood. The pulpit is made of carved wood. In modern times the Indo-Saracenic style has began to influence the construction of a few mosques. The Jama Masjid at Palayam and the Putiya Palli at Calicut are notable examples of the style.

Sculpture of Kerala

Early stone sculptures
Kerala scupture has attained a high degree of excellenc both in stone and wood carving. Perhaps the earliest stone sculptural pieces were discovered from Edakkal Mala near Sultan's Battery. The figures are those of animals and humans. So far the date of these sculptures has not been determined.
The next strata of sculptural arts is seen in the rock-cut post Sangam temples. Two distinct strains are noticed, the southern representing the Pandyan influence and the northen the Pallava influence. The Kaviyur temple, the Kottukal temple and the Irunilakkode are examples of rock-cut temples. Many of the specimens of sculpture found here are life-like.

Buddhist Images
Several images of the Buddha were discovered from several part of Kerala. Images of the Buddha in Yogas-ana were discovered from places like Karumadi, Mavelikkara, Bharanikavu, Maruthur-kulangara and Pallikkal. These are by far the finest representations of stone sculptures from Kerala. The most important features of the image are the Ushnisha (top knot) and the Jwala (flame)'. The upper cloth passed over the chest.

Jain images
Jain images were also found in several parts of Kerala. Figures of Parswanath, Mahavir and other Tirthankaras and of Padmadevi are seen in the Bhagavati temple at Tiruchanttumalai (Kanyakumari District) are impressive. The temple at Kallil near Perumbavoor also contains images of Mahavir and Padmadevi. On the rock which forms part of the Kallil rock-cut temple an impresswive image of Mahavir on a Simhasana, seated in Yogic posture is also seen. In this panel are also identified the lion, the totem peculiar to Mahavir, triple umbrella etc. Wynad, Palghat and Cannanore districts also contained a few Jain sculptures. Jain images represent a very significant t part of the sculptural heritage of Kerala.

Sculptures in Hindu Temples
The temples of Kerala bear silent witness to several stone sculptures. They show the Chola, Pandya and Vijajanar influences. The images of deities were made in stone and other materials. Some of the interesting features of the images in the Sri Pad-manabha Swami Temple, Trivandrum the Parasurama Shrine at Tiruvalla and the Sri Vallabha Temple, Tiruvalla contain standing images of Lord Krishna, represented as Parthasarati or Parasurama armed with weapons. The image of Garuda in winged human form given in the sitting posture is a feat of sculpture as well as architecture. Another representation of Vishnu - on Garuda with Bhumidevi on the left lap enshrined in the Pun-darikappuram temple in Kottyam is a marvellous specimen. The Subramo-nia temple at Kodumbu in Palghat is also a rare piece of sculpture. Other magnificene pieces of sculpture noted in the Tirumand-hamkunnu Bhagavati temple and in the Srimad Anantes-war Vinayak temple, Madhur are those of Chamundi in the former Ganesa in the latter.
A typical feature of Kerala temples is the Pranala, probably a contribution made by the Cholas or Pandyas. A Pranala is an architectural provision made in temples for the discharge of abhisheka. Some of the pranalas are most ornate.

Other typical specimens of Kerala sculpture are witnessed on the walls and balustrades of temples. Some of the common figures are those of deities, lions, and dancing scenes.

The Trikkodithanam Vishnu temple depicts two types of ancient Kerala dance Kudaikuttu and Kudakuttu in its two Yazhi panels. Another relief of a woman dancer in two postures is noted in the temple of Trivikrama-mangalam in conjunction with two attendants playing on musical instruments. At Tirunavai is the ancient temple called Nava Mukunda Vishnu temple which containts a fine specimen of a stone image of a dancer playing with five pots to the accompanying music performed by two attendants. The Parasurama temple at Tiruvallam has fine panels of Bhutaga-nas and animals like elephants and lions. Some impacts of the Vijay-anagara art are also perceivable in certain temples. The wall plasters of the Sri Vallabha temple, Tiruvalla, embody corbels familiar to Vijayanagar art. The pillar motifs of the same temple are of a piece with the rest of the temple. The Siva temple at Kan-diyur is full of stone sculptures depicting Puranic stories.
The art of sculpture became very complex and intricate in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The best examples are the sculptures in the Sri Padmanabhaswami temple, Trivandrum, the Janardana temple Varkala and the Siva temple,Vaikom. The three hundred pillars that support the gopuram (eastern) and the inner shrine of Sri Padmanabha temple are decorated with elaborate sculptures. Other exquisite masterpieces are seen in the Kulasekharamandapa and Sivelimandapa, of this temple, the former with representations of Hindu deities like Siva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ga-napathy and of trees and animals. Several graceful small reliefs presenting scenes from the Puranas, Epics and Bhagavats are performed in great elegance.

Stone Sculptures in Churches
Kerala churches have also enriched the sculptural traditions of Kerala. Perhaps the most-widespread sculptural representations are granite crosses. One profusely executed is the Valia-palli at Kaduturuti. The granite Cross associated with this church is 12 metres in heights built by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century and is installed on a decorated and ornamented platform. The figures of elephants are carved on the platform on all sides. Quite significant are some floral designs and figures of angels given on it. The top of the base is also beautified with figures of the Crucifixion, Mary the Mother and Mary Magdalene. Another significant sculptural specimen is the granite cross erected on a base in the Church at Changanacherry. The base has many beautiful carvings of peacock. There are churches which have crossess with lotus as the base. The cross at Kanjur is an example. The Cheriapalli at Angamali has also several pieces of sculptures. With the sculptures of Crucifixion on its base, the cross of St. Mary's Church at Kuravilangad has also become famous.
Several churches in Kerala has the Persian Cross, a unique feature. The peculiarity of the cross is the equality of the bars which intersect at the centre in right angle. All of them have inscriptions on them. The wings of the cross are richly decorated with floral disigns. The most famous of such Persian Crosses seen in Kerala are in the churches at Kadamattom, Kaduthuruthi, Kottayam, Parur and Alangad.

Wood carvings in Temples
Just as in stone sculpture, so also in wood carving Kerala has been famous all through the centuries. 'Most of these beautiful carvings are seen in temples. The namaskara mandapas, their rafters and beams amd also Kuthambalams are usually opted for the execution of such works. Likewise, the wooden walls of temples also are fabulously carved.
The Mahadeva temple, Katinan-ikulam is an earliest centre of beautiful carvings on its namaskara mandapa with nine niches, with Brahma seated on a swan at the centre, franked by other deities. Another interesting temple is the Sri Mahadeva temple at Kaviyur. The wooden walls are all richly carved having scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Wood carvinjgs of Anantasaana, Indra, seated Siva, Narasimha etc. are also provided. Several mythological characters and puranic scenes are depicted in the Chathankulangara Narasimha Temple.
The Sri Vallabha temple, Tiruvalla bears witness to a wooden carving of Vishnu, a resting on Ananta. One never fails to notice the enchanting wood carving and bracket figures on the namaskara mandapa of the subra-monia temple, Perunna. The Siva temple, Vazhappalli unfolds a series of panels depicting puranic figures and scenes on its wooden wall. The Siva temple, Ettumanur, the Siva temple Chunakkara, and the Bhagavati temple Vettikulangara also contain beautiful wood carvings.
Exquisite wood carvings are seen in some of the temples of North Kerala. Among them that deserve special mention are the Sri Rama temple, Triprayar, the Lakshmana temple at Tiruvilwamala, the Tiruvangad temple, Tellicherry and the Krishna temple at Trichambaram. The Surya-narayana temple at Kadirur has many interesting wood carvings of Brahma, Dakshinamurti, Umamaheswara and several Avatars in it. The Madiyamkulam Kshetrapala temple, Ajanur, the Vettakorumakan temple, Urpazhassi and the Madayikavu temples add to the list of exquisite temples famous for wood carvings.

Wood carvings in Churches
Kerala churches also share with temples the fatplums of carvings of excellent quality. For the most part, they are seen ceilings, beams, pulpits, altars and the doors. Unlike temples, the themes depicted in churches will be mostly Biblical. One speciality of church carvings is the use of bright colours. The front side of the altars will invariably be decorated with splendid carvings. Likewise the rear wall of the alter will be gorgeously decorated with carvings. The figures of angels are a regular feature of church carvings.
The St. Thomas church, Mulanturuti presents, captivating carvings of Jesus Christ, his apostles and angels. The Last Supper of Christ depicted here is one of the marvels in carving. The altar of the Cheriapalli at Kaduthuruti contains a variety of floral designs and figures of apostles. There are several churches in Kerala which bear the stamp of Corinthian influence in their wood carvings. The church at Koratti and Irinjalakuda are typical examples.
The pulpits in almost all churches show the expert hand of the carver. The doors of the church are very thick with floral carvings as well as crosses. The wooden beams are ornamented with flowers, animals and angels.