Ramalinga Vilas Palace, Ramanathapuram
Ramalinga
Vilasam Palace Museum is a stately building in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. The
museum will thrill history and culture buffs thanks to the assortment of
interesting exhibits that are steeped in history. From glass paintings and
photographs to wooden sculptures and objects, beads and shells to armor and oil
paintings, textiles and flags to pottery, copper plates, bronze lamps and
ivory. You could spend some quality time in the museum, enriching your
knowledge and appreciation of the culture and history of the region.
The palace
is located in the Ramanathapuram District, at a distance of 55 km from the
city. There is a Darbar Hall and a dwelling area inside this royal palace.
History
Ramalinga
Vilas Palace was built by Kizhavan Sethupathi (1674-1710), one of the popular
Sethupathi Kings. Ramalinga Vilasam Palace was the brainchild of Kizhavan
Sethupathi. There is a grand Darbar Hall and the living quarters are very
ornate.
Attractions
Ramalinga
Vilas Palace is an imposing structure and as you enter, you will be awe-struck by
the stunning archway. The palace grounds are extensive and the palace has many
exhibits that will interest visitors. One of the most striking displays is the
murals. These portray the lives of the Sethupathi kings and their battles. They
are simply exquisite. The museum also has a stockpile of weapons that were used
by the Sethupathi rulers. The magnificent dwelling quarters of the Sethupathi
kings will give you an idea of the lavishness and grandeur of their lifestyle.
The
Durbar Hall is worth a visit with its stately rows of pillars. There are some
interesting and rather gruesome relics too. There is a massive stone ball that
weighs a ton. Apparently, in days of yore, prospective grooms had to lift this
humongous ball and fling it over their shoulders. Only those who could do so,
qualified to get married. A large mud pot, however, has a rather grisly
history. It was used to bury old people who were past caring for.
The
beautiful murals in the palace depict the lifestyle of Sethupathi Kings, their
battles with the Marathas and their precious contacts with European rulers.
This palace also features a museum full of weapons, which were used by the
Sethupathi Kings.
The
archaeological museum belongs to Sethupathi of Ramnad and includes sword, gun,
iron spear, boomerang and antiquities from Alagankulam excavations and more. It
also has various paintings of royal warfare, gods and goddesses.
In order
to preserve the ancient historical objects of the past, the museum has stored
objects like glass paintings, photographs, tools, beads and shells, sculptures,
arms, plates, oil paintings, wooden sculptures and wooden objects. In addition
to these objects, there are also armoury, textiles, paintings, flags, bronze
lamps, pottery, copper plates and ivory.
