This is 2nd post about Chettinad Houses. In my previous post Chettinad Houses Part 1 I have mentioned about the 4 different parts of the Nagarathar houses. The people of Chettinad are known as Nagarathars or Naatukot Chettiars.
Above picture taken by me in ATHANGUDI PALACE
Now we are going to visit The famous Peria Veedu ATHANGUDI PALACE in Aranmanaipatti, Karaikudi District in Tamilnadu.
Come let’s visit the Peria Veedu Aathangudi Palace. The images above the roadside gate is of the soldiers of infantry and cavalry. Below is the picture taken by me.
We can see the angels with Goddess Lakshmi. This shows the European influence in Chettinad architecture.
In my previous post about Chettinad houses, I have mentioned that the Mogapu, visitors seating area with granite pillars, Italian and Japanese ornate tiles for walls and ceilings. Athangudi tiles for the floor. The main door and ceilings are made out of Burma Teakwood. Adjacent to the doors we could see the peacock patterns in the tiles.
Once we go inside we will be amazed to see the huge and magnificent hall. A very big hall with very high ceiling. The ceiling, the walls, the floor all adorned with ornate tiles.
We could observe the no lights were switched on and palace is illuminated with natural lighting and well ventilated.
We have to appreciate the sustainability measures taken in the construction of these houses. There are chandeliers but there is no need to light them.
The above is the collage of pictures of Kalyana Kottagai with open courtyard and rooms in the corridors. We could find the Birmingham grills and mural paintings here.
The concept of open courtyard in the centre of the house is to make the whole house ventilated with natural lighting. No electricity wasted.
Next the other rooms, Kitchen and dining halls known as Sappadu Kottagai too has natural lighting.
For more pictures and videos please see my YouTube shorts and you will get a glimpse of the beautiful Palace.
You can see the walls are shining and well polished. The plaster is a mixture known as Stucco. Stucco is a process of coating the walls with 5 components lime, jaggery, egg shells, sand and water.
It’s not easy to maintain such heritage buildings. The maintenance costs are literally very high. It is really worth paying for the entrance tickets.
souvenirs are sold inside the Palace. There is also an ice-creams shop inside the Palace.
