Unprotected Built heritage in Kerala and Tamilnadu within the political boundary of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore Though the mother country of Travancore was the Mandala Kingdom Chera, during Kali Yuga, it was reduced to the erstwhile region of Travancore with its area of 66531/2 square miles situated between the 8th and 10th degree of North latitude. This 17th century Princely Kingdom lie in the geographical regions that extended from the present day Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) in the South, to Cochin (Kerala) in the North. (for map refer Appendix A1 ). A warm humidity is one of the special features of the climate of Travancore. The land is protected by the Western Ghats on the eastern side and the Arabian Sea on the western side and due to this peculiar geographical position external cultural invasions and influences did not really affect this narrow stretch of land (though there was transfer of knowledge), and remained comparatively pure in its culture. Rich in timber, religious as well as domestic buildings were in wood; with granite/ laterite stone used minimally for plinths and selected walls. The land with buildings about one to five centuries old is characterized by superior quality of building skill and meticulous craftsmanship in timber, pertaining to the southern regional style. Constructed primarily of wood, these buildings are replete with exquisite ornamentation of a very functional nature. Religion has played a major role in the erection of a house or a temple, the selection of the site, the measurement systems followed, the date of commencement of the work, the materials employed, the orientation of the structure, its layout, and other factors which were associated with the religious dogmas, beliefs which it was believed that if overlooked, will displease the Gods and bring ill luck to the people residing in the building. They were erected with relatively strict adherence to the canons which were formulated over the years of experience obtained in building construction crystallized into a number of formulae governing proportions, dimensions, orientation, location and procedures thus creating a genetic code for architecture in Timber. Travancore bears testimony of being the rich treasury of built and unbuilt heritage. The attempt undertaken through this research project is to identify, document and prepare a data base of unprotected built heritage existing in the expanse of the princely kingdom of Travancore.

1. Unprotected
Built heritage of
the erstwhile
princely state of
Travancore,
Kerala
Dr. Binumol Tom

2. 2
South Western coast of the Indian subcontinent
Area = 38, 863 sq. kms
Travancore - This 17th
century Princely Kingdom lie in
the geographical regions that extended from the present
day Marthandom (Tamil Nadu) in the South, to Cochin
(Travancore) in the North.
6653.5 square miles situated between the 8th and 10th
degree of North latitude.
TRAVANCORE, KERALA - THE PLACE, PEOPLE, CULTURE

3. 3
TRAVANCORE, KERALA - THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE PLACE
Comprises of temples and
palace complexes along with
tharavads (traditional houses)
Unique wooden construction
system of the region mostly
High level of craftsmanship
and building skill based on
Tachusastra
Climate - warm, humid - heavy
rainfall dictated the form and
layout of buildings.

4. Typology - Temples
Economic
Social support
Social Issues –High
revenue resources
Destination points of hi-
end tourism.
A new surge of
cosmopolitanism
Economic issue – There
exist war among
corporate groups to spent
money on decorating
certain temples to please
God
Of course, such
corporate magnanimity
is reserved only for a few
temples to the envy of
2,000 other struggling
places of worship.
Jiirrnnoddharana
Sporadic repair works
that occur on the wooden
superstructure not
confirming to
conservation values
Construction using
modern materials
Unsuccessful addition of
new entrance gateways
totally in contrast with
the traditional character
Degrade the ‘intactness
and wholeness’ of the
entire site destroying the
intrinsic value
uncontrolled
development of their
surroundings in concrete
Increased Prosperity

5. Typology - Churches
Economic
Social support
Social Issues –High
revenue resources
Destination points of hi-
end tourism.
A new surge of
cosmopolitanism
Economic issue
Sporadic repair works
that occur on the wooden
superstructure not
confirming to
conservation values
Lime plastered walls
give way for cement
plaster
Unsuccessful addition of
new entrance gateways
totally in contrast with
the traditional character
Historic painting – are
getting redone most
unscientifically
Demolition of the
original and construction
of new
Uncontrolled
development of their
surroundings in concrete
Increased Prosperity

6. Akkaramatha church,
Kanjirapally in
Kottayam

7. Typology - Masjids
Economic
Social support
A new surge of
cosmopolitanism
Economic issue
Sporadic repair works
that occur on the wooden
superstructure
Unsuccessful addition of
new elements totally in
contrast with the
traditional character
Uncontrolled
development of their
surroundings in concrete
Demolition of old and
construction of new

8. Strategic historic
location with
ancient temples.
Architectural
character not
totally lost.
longest stretches
of Agraharms
Vulnerable to
commercial ingression
due to its location.
Changing lifestyle and
needs of present
generation.
Motor vehicle
Revival of a
Vedapadasala which
existed centuries ago.
Economic - tourism
Establishing an
organised community .
Heritage tourism-
walks
Railway expansion
in future.
Insensitive modern
constructions
coming up in the
vicinity
TYPOLOGY - AGRAHARAMS

9. Architectural guidelines that may be proposed for agraharams:
Row Housing concept to be strictly followed.
If needed set backs can be provided but without affecting street character
Full Verandah to be maintained (Could be enclosed for security reasons using grill
doors/windows fully openable maintaining transparency)
Existing street line to be maintained-Foot print of the street cannot be altered
Multipurpose buildings within settlement to maintain same architectural vocabulary
A building occupying multiple slots to maintain same character.
No alteration creating void spaces
Open Balconies, Terraces not to be allowed.
Minimum doors/windows in facade
Street Façade to be maintained.
Softening measures to be done
The total number of storeys including the existing, if any, shall not exceed two from the
street level
The overall height of the construction including the existing upto the topmost point of the
proposed construction shall not exceed 9 metres.
The slope of roof in facades shall be at an angle within the range 35-45 degrees from the
horizontal.
The roof in facade shall be finished with Mangalore Pattern (M.P) terracotta tiles.
The sunshades in facades if any shall have the same slope and finish as that of the main
roof

10. A genetic code for its
architecture exists.
(Guide for
conservation)
Strong indigenous
character
Vulnerable to commercial
ingression due to its
location.
Demolition
Road widening as most of
them are abutting the
streets- ribbon
development.
Changing lifestyle and
needs of present
generation.
Motor vehicle
Economic – tourism
Open Books – for the
eager learner of
traditional architecture
Sources of information
which cannot be told
by books
Insensitive modern
constructions coming up
in the vicinity
Insensitive planning
policies
TYPOLOGY – Residential Ekashalas, Dwishalas,
Thrishalas

16. Typology – Public Buildings
Landmarks
Mostly under the
Government control
Used hence partially
mintained
Sporadic repair works
that occur on the wooden
superstructure
Unskilled people work
on such buildings
PWD – does the
maintenance (short term
approach)
Unsuccessful addition of
new elements (toilet
blocks, tiling etc)
Uncontrolled
development of their
surroundings in concrete
Demolition of old and
construction of new

17. Post office housed in the extension of Sree Paadam
palace, Trivandrum Fort area next to Sree
Padmanabha Swamy temple

18. Typology – Heritage arte facts
Un attended
No awareness about its
heritage value
Insignificant in their
surroundings
Not listed, documented
Tourism potential
History study resource
Dying heritage

19. What are the threats to the historic precincts?
• Devastation by natural/ manmade
factors
• Old buildings – timber –
deterioration/ fire
• Increased prosperity
• Abandoned buildings
• Today, random demands imposed
by modern life
• Change in landuse
• Lack of public facilities

20. What are the threats to the historic precincts?
• Public services – water
supply, sanitation,
Hygiene
• Private speculation
• New families – new
homes/ jobs
• We expect a high
standard of living
• We have learned to
swallow concrete
happily…. Ugly
Hoardings/ billboards
• ABOVE ALL
Motor vehicle…. Specific
land use generate traffic A city for hoardings????

21. Broad recommendations
Setting up an Advisory body
Training planners, architects, urban administrators and public
Listing, Grading
Designation of heritage areas, linkages (in association with the Development authorities)
Design guidelines and controls
A step by step Guide/ Manual to conserving different typologies of buildings
Upgrading infrastructural facilities
Training craftsmen – initiative of HUDCO and COSTFORD
Training building craftsmen – It is not just the historic buildings that are important, but
even the historic ways of building these buildings are important (INTACH with the help
of corporates)
Developing a framework for Financial and other incentives
Providing direct grant to the building owner
Distributing Grants for preservation
Providing Tax relief
Taxing the beneficiaries – part of VAT collected can be used for conservation activities
Aid in kind – labour and materials for the maintenance of listed buildings by local
authorities financed by municipal taxes (material and resource pool formed by INTACH)
Enforcement of Transfer of Development Right (TDR)
Building owners – access to credit on easy terms
Bringing in Cross subsidy

22. In an ambitious project to protect grand old trees in
public places, the Kerala Forest Research Institute
(KFRI) has come out with a proposal to mark them with a
"health-card.
Giant trees - a score-sheet depicting its strength
condition, risk factors and details of damage, along with
other physical features.
objective - to preserve as much heritage trees as possible
by giving proper guidelines to authorities in maintaining
them.
pilot initiative - in the capital city Thiruvananthapuram
to identify the strength of the trees which need to be cut
down
to identify those trees that need to be conserved
It would also help to assess the damage of each tree, he
said.
Good initiatives

23. Criteria for sites selected in study areas
1.Typology wise categorization
2.Concentration of similar typologies creating character zones
3.Endangered ones
4.Uniqueness of sites
5.Historic/ Architectural/ Archaeological/ Documentary/ Social/
Spiritual values

24. Planning mechanism and legislations & integration of heritage assets in planning
Legislative framework existing within the region
• Development Controls around ASI Centrally Protected Monuments
(1992 Notification)
Effectiveness: Limitations in declaration of more monuments as Protected
- mainly Fiscal.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites And Remains Act of 1958
empowers Central Government to declare ancient monuments as having National
Importance and notify as Protected.
Till 2000, ASI had declared only 3606 monuments as Protected.
Travancore’s Share was only 26 in number – a meagre 0.7%!
Kerala Municipalities Act, 1994
(For Urban Local bodies)
Section 383
Power for local bodies to notify an area to control new constructions and insist
special architectural guidelines for such buildings

25. Planning mechanism and legislations & integration of heritage assets in planning
Kerala Municipalities Act, 1994
(For Urban Local bodies)
Section 383
Power for local bodies to notify an area to control new constructions and insist
special architectural guidelines for such buildings
Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994
(For Rural Local bodies)
Section 235 C
Power for local bodies to notify an area to control new constructions and insist
special architectural guidelines for such buildings.
Municipality Building Rules 1999
Rules 154 & 155
• Constitution of an Art & Heritage Commission for advising the Government
and local bodies on matters related to Heritage Conservation.

26. Planning mechanism and legislations & integration of heritage assets in planning
Coastal Zone Regulations, 1992
Effectiveness: Prohibition/restriction on new constructions, uses, additions/alterations
Town & Country Planning Legislation
Town Planning Act, 1108 ME
Madras Town Planning Act 1920
.
SCHEMES PREPARED UNDER TOWN PLANNING ACT& RULES
• Identification of Heritage buildings to be conserved
• Restrictions on Developments:
• Limiting/prescribing Height, coverage, FAR, Building Line in the
delineated environs
• General landuse categorisation as applicable for other areas.
• Permitting only Traditional Style Constructions or proposing
construction-free / Restricted Development areas around (not specific).
Effectiveness: Insufficient Guidelines - especially architectural and Poor Response wrt
enforcement by LSGIs.

27. Technical capacity – Availability of Conservation architects (though few in number),
Architect (many, but awareness and intensive courses are to be conducted)
Public buildings – under the custodian ship of PWD and LSGD – hence training programmes
are required to sensitize them
Mistry/ skilled labour- can be identified and brought to main stream – resource bank has to
be developed
Engineers- need to be trained
Community/ owners – there is awareness but lack of pride, heritage structure as a burden
Documented traditional knowledge – based on the genetic code called Tachusastra, hence
documented to some extend (written resources available- traditional treatises)
Potential for capacity building within the area or a resource for other heritage areas- there
is much potential
ANALYSIS

28. Level of Heritage Awareness (sense of belonging/ involvement)
Owners/ users – heritage- residential category - very rare, burden, religious
category – aware, but growing demands of expansion, increased prosperity,
trustees taking charge want to do things over night, tourism potential (chain of
temples – renovated in a fast pace by the tourism sector without making any
master plan)
Community - yes
Traditional knowledge/ protective measures
Stakeholders' participation – very less
Association (sacred/ revered/ etc.)- Temples strictly based on jiirnnodharana for
the sacred containers, but ancillary structures undergo rapid changes
Role of media, press activism – highly active, but only at the level of publicity
Incentives for recognition – will work among the community
Existing/ planned awareness initiatives like heritage walk, signage, etc – just one
heritage in the historic city of Thiruvanathapuram
ANALYSIS

29. Threats and Risks- mostly human induced in the name of modernization/
urbanization
Pressures and impacts of development in the area – much pressure leading to
destruction on account of Urbanization, Tourism pressures
Socio-economic Issues and Reuse Potential
Typology wise categorization
Religious structures – high investment capacity towards conservation
Potential for integrating community use within/ around heritage space
Livelihood generation possibilities – identified (case of agraharams)
Infrastructure required for improvement of living conditions – available, hence
further requirement is not there.
Financial Options- in the residential category – loans/ subsidies are required
Incentives – as of now, nothing exists
Community based recognitions can be mooted
Technical incentives – can be tried out
Out reach programmes with architecture schools as catalysts
ANALYSIS

30. Identification of sites for Heritage at Risk register
HIGH RISK AREAS
Thazhathangadi, Kottayam
Thirunakkara, Kottayam
Canal Precinct, Alleppey
Town centre, Harippad
Chinnakada, Kollam
Fort precincts, Trivandrum
Karamana and chenthitta Agraharam area (18
agglomorations)
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Attingal palace precincts, Attingal
Pandalam Palace precincts, Pandalam
Ribbon development pattern of Travancore – scattered
buildings with smaller community areas – makes it very
complex to limit the number of sites

31. Thank you