Dutch 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 the Hindus as well as with portraits and exhibits of the Rajas (kings) of Cochin .
history
The Dutch Palace is at the end of Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi. It was built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65) in 1555 - probably to secure trading privileges. The palace was built to appease the king after the Portuguese sacked a nearby Hindu temple. The Dutch renovated and expanded the palace in 1663 - hence the name Dutch Palace. The Rajas later changed the palace frequently. Today it houses a portrait gallery of the Rajas of Cochin, and is known for its murals of Hindu myths, which are among the best of their kind in India.
Historical background
The landing of Vasco da Gama , the Portuguese conqueror, in 1498 was welcomed by the rulers of Kochi. They were granted trading rights and repelled the constant attacks of the Zamorines . The Rajas of Cochin thus practically became vassals of the Portuguese. The influence of the Portuguese was later ousted by the Dutch, who - supported by the Zamoris - conquered Mattancherry in 1663. After the Dutch period, the region was taken over by Hyder Ali and later by the British East India Company .
Individual evidence
Coordinates: 9 ° 57 ′ 29.8 " N , 76 ° 15 ′ 33.8" E