Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is one of the most attractive palaces of Madurai. Built in the 17th century Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is mainly known for its architecture which includes a classic fusion of Dravidian, Islam and European styles.

Share this Article:

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, MaduraiThirumalai Nayakkar Mahal was built by King Thirumalai Nayak who used to rule over Madurai in 1636 AD. This palace was built by an Italian architect who brought out some of the rarest architectural skill. The palace depicts a classic fusion of Dravidian, European and Islamic style of architecture. Often known as the Wonders of South his is one of the largest palaces of Madurai. It is said that the original palace was about four times larger than the one which is existing now. The present palace is only a part of the original palace. Mainly known for its architecture this palace is located in the city of Madurai. This palace stands majestically at a distance of 2 kms from the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

During 17th century Madurai had been a major trading centre which was visited by the Portuguese, Dutch and other Europeans who landed up as either missionary or as travellers. As such the king employed all these people and an Italian architect to design this massive palace. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is mainly known for its architectural marvel. The design of the palace includes the architecture of Dravidian, Islamic and European style. The palace includes a massive courtyard which extends upto 3700 sq. kms. The visitors enter into a huge courtyard which is surrounded with circular pillars.. The pillars are mainly decorated with Indo saracenic architecture in India. The palace is divided into two major parts namely Swarga Visalam and Ranga Visalam. While the Swarg Visalam was used as throne room which has an arched octagon covered by a dome that is 60 - 70 ft high. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Madurai The Ranga Visalam includes a theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden which was situated in these two portions. The courtyard and the dancing hall are some of the major attractions of the palace.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is one of the well maintained palaces in India. The walls of the palace is polished with high quality of Chunam mixed with egg shell and lime which gives a shiny and smooth look. Surrounded with 20m tall pillar this palace has well decorated arches that add to the beauty of the courtyard. The palace represents some of the most attractive piece of Nakashi which depicts the influence of Islamic architecture on the construction of the palace. Presently the palace is one of the legendary monuments of India. This has been under the supervision of Tamil Nadu Archeological Department. The time to visit the palace is between 9.00am to 5.00pm. Presently the biggest attraction of the palace is the light and sound show which is organised in the palace. It depicts the story of Silapattikaram in both English and Tamil version. As it is located at the centre of Madurai city it is well connected with roadways and railways that make easily accessible for bits visitors.

Thus with some exclusive architecture this palace stands majestically at the heart of Madurai city. This mainly attracts the visitors with the arches and pillars which are decorated in typical style of Indo sarsacenic Dravidian architecture. The huge dome and corridors are some of the most remarkable feature of the palace along with some exclusive antique pieces like statues of gods and goddesses and the king and his wives which attract everyone who visit the place.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.