A bungalow immersed in history and artifacts

Padmanabhapuram, situated in Kanyakumari district in the state of Tamilnadu, was the capital of the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom, three centuries back. The administrative headquarters, Padmanabhapuram palace still exists and is now a museum under Government of Kerala. This locality was rich in cultural and architectural heritage. One such heritage structure was Chuttumalika, which was later transplanted totally to Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Chuttumalika, now known as Charithramalika is an edifice of history in about 21000-sq.ft area with a collection of 4000 plus antiques and artifacts, depicting the culture and heritage of Kerala.

The transplantation of this architectural complex started nearly 50 years ago by the then owner of the heritage property Bhagyanathan aka Titus Bhagyanathan. The process was delayed due to various reasons and he could complete it by 1998. His son Abhilash Kumar also took efforts to complete the transplantation and converting it into a museum.  Over the time, Abhilash became thorough about the history and myths connected with Chuttumalika and the museum objects. Abhilash says “this venture is an effort to conserve and showcase the vast culture and lesser known history of Padmanabhapuram and the adjoining areas, the place which can be considered as the core of Kerala”.

Chuttumalika

As you enter through Padippura, the entrance block, you reach a spacious courtyard known as Valiyanganam, Thirumittam or Kalam. Padippura has a room and verandah on the first floor.  The courtyard is surrounded by mainly three blocks. One on the right is for 'Karanavar, the head of the family/ feudal lord. The one on the left side is a Kalari, centre for giving martial training and the block facing Padippura is Thaimalika. The other structures in the compound are Kaliyal, a work area for agriculture related works, Kuthambalam- a performing stage and Uttupura, dining hall.

There are specific rooms/area for Ayurveda treatment, medicine preparation and personal rooms for Karanavar, ladies and Kalari Asan (Kalari trainer).   There are two wells in the complex, one is for general purpose and the other is a narrow tiny one called Naazhi Kinar, just in front of the Kalari building, which is used only for Kalari purpose.

The Museum

The artifacts collection in the museum include Bullock cart, skiffs used in the Kalari, traditional oil  extractor, different types of  kitchen grinders, wooden and bronze vessels and utensils, oil lamps, agriculture implements, measuring vessels and weights, document boxes,  palm leaves used for writing and iron styluses, weapons, locks, etc.

Charithra Malika is a museum reflecting the lifestyle and culture of the bygone era of Kerala, especially of Travancore. Here each architectural features and artifacts has a story to tell you, related to science, belief, culture or religion. 

Location/access: Charithramalika (near J B S School) is situated about 18km from Thiruvananthapuram city, on Kanyakumari road and less than 500m from Amaravila Check Post (near Neyyattinkara).Kanyakumari (Tamilnadu) is about 52km.

Timing: 9am- 5pm. (Advance booking recommended)

Entry fee: Rs.100/- for adults. Rs.50/- for children.

For more info: Abhilash Kumar T S (Director)- mob: 9495939797