Kizhperur: Reconstruction of Past Glory through the Inscriptional and Architectural Studies

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1 Kizhperur: Reconstruction of Past Glory through the Inscriptional and Architectural Studies Renjeshlal S. R Department of Archaeology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala , India ( renjeshlalsr@gmail.com) Received: 15 July 2017; Revised: 13 September 2017; Accepted: 02 November 2017 Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 5 (2017): Abstract: The reputation and significance of a particular land or place in the history is determined by myriad factors: one such factor is the splendid occurrence of architecture and art, especially religious in nature and the occurrence of various inscriptional details. Kizhperur is such a place in the old Travancore, discarded by the history, but having numerous temples within a two kilometer radius, some were in a preserved state and the others did not have such a luxury, being in a dilapidated state and having got a lot of allusion in the various inscriptions dating from the 11 th 12 th CE; corroborating the importance of this place. This article is a short attempt to bring up and try to give life to the past glory of an elapsed place in the faded mind of history, through the architectural, artistic and inscriptional grandeur of Kizhperur. Keywords: Architecture, Art, Inscription, History, Temple, Travancore, Kizhperur Introduction: Location and History of Kizhperur The village Kizhperur is situated in the Chirayinkizh taluk of the Thiruvananthapuram district, juxtaposed between Attingal and Kilimanoor; two places that have significant part in the making of the Venad dynasty. The place is a serene land filled with granite hillocks and the green paddy fields. Kizhperur possessed an important role in the early history of South Kerala and in the making of the Venad dynasty. Most of the historians, mention about the royal house in Kizhperur, and it is popularly believed that when the Ays of Vizhinjam collapsed from the attack of the Pandyas, they migrated from the Vizhinjam and they merged with the Kizhperur family. T.K.Vellupillai, in his book The state Manual (Vol.II), mentions that, it is highly probable that Kizhperur which is midway between Trivandrum and Kollam was an old residency of royalty, much older and significant than Attingal. Architectural Importance of Kizhperur The importance of Kizhperur can be certainly traced out from the congregation of numerous temples scattered within a radius of three square kilometers. The important

2 Renjeshlal2017: temples in Kizhperur area was, Thirupaalkadal Krishna temple, ParakkalSrikrishna temple, Thekkinkara Shiva temple and Vanadurga temple. All the temples mentioned above were built on granite and partly laterite also. The temples were built in accordance with the definite plan and architectural features of Kerala temple architecture. The two Srikrishna temples, namely Thirupaalkadal temple and Parakkal temples were both similar in nature, having circular plans, with pyramidical roof, adorned with stupi. Both the temples face east and having a namaskaaramandapa in front of the garbhagriha. The adisthana, pranaala, sopaana and the adisthana of the namaskaaramandapa of both the temples were entirely built of granite. Both the temples are of sarvatobhadra type, i.e., having four functional doors. The adisthana of the temples slightly varies in its nature. The Thirupaalkadaltemple having additional features like Padma paaduka and simhamaalas, while the Parakkal temple having a band of floral decorations in its adisthana. These temples were preserved to an extent, but the precious murals on the walls of Thirupaalkadal temple were not preserved and how the mist thawed in to the morning sunshine, it was faded away from the walls of the temple. And later when the temple was renovated the authorities didn t bother to preserve the murals. The other temples, Thekkinkara temple and the Vanadurga temple were in a dilapidated state. Both the temples were entirely built in granite. The Vanadurga temple doesn t have any structure apart from its square adisthana. The Thekkinkara Shiva temple is having a rectangular structure and having a conical granite roof without any decorations and facing east, and having a double pillared porch in front of the sanctum. The sanctum is differentiated from the porch by an antaraala. Architecture of Kizhperur Temples Thirupaalkadal Krishna Shrine The temple is dedicated to Srikrishna, located on an elevated place, and set out in beautiful countryside, with lashing paddy fields in front adds more beauty to the temple. This temple is a typical example of indigenous Kerala style temple architecture (Figure 1).This temple has circular plan with pyramidical roof, adorned with stupi. The temple faces east, and it is built partly of granite and laterite. In front of the temple there is a large structure called Anakottil, in order to accompany the elephants in the temple. The structure has eight enormous circular pillars and has a pyramidical roof, made out of wood structure and plated with terracotta tiles. Outside the naalambalam and in front of the anakottil,there remains thebalipeetha, and this structure is completely made out of granite. It has the horizontal mouldings called, paaduka, jagati, tripattakumuda,gala, kantha, kapota,and an inverted lotus is placed.the temple is enclosed by naalambalamand this is a modern structure and the evidence of destroyed naalambalam can be seen in the temple premises.the dwajasthambha of this temple has been obsolescent and it taken away for renovation. The circular temple has a sandhara, 819

ISSN 2347 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 5: 2017 ekatalavimaana of the typical Kerala tradition and it is circular both internally and externally.

3 ISSN Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 5: 2017 ekatalavimaana of the typical Kerala tradition and it is circular both internally and externally. The circular inner shrine is not so common across the state. Eight pillars in the circumambulatory passage support the roof.the vimaana of the inner shrine is of typical Dravidian features. Figure 1: ThirupaalkadalSrikrishna Temple The adisthana of the temple is entirely built of granite. Other granite structures in the temple are pranaala, sopaana, and the adisthana of the namaskaaramandapa. The wall portion or the bhitti is made out of laterite blocks. The Sribandha type of adisthana is seen here i.e.; the adisthana having a circular kumuda. The other features seen in the adisthana are, padmapaaduka, upaana, jagati, vrittakumuda, kantha, kampas and kapota. The most beautiful feature of the adisthana is the lotus petals or the padmapaaduka. There is a total of 211 lotus petals are carved in the adisthana as well as in the lower part of the sopaana. After the vrittakumuda there is simhaamaala/ vyaalamaalamoulding, where the simhaas or the vyalaas depicted as connected together like a chain or band, so this band of depicted sculptures are known as simhamaala or vyaalamaala. Above it is a band of floral decorative element called paadas. This is a decorative element, in which floral motives are arranged like a band. And above which is the kapota, and then the laterite bhitti begins. The granitepranaala occupies the upper part of 820

4 Renjeshlal2017: the adisthana, starting from the kapota, down to the upper portion of the kumuda. It sambumaarga held by the simhamukha and it terminates in the simhamukha. The exterior is fluted in nature and has decorative elements such as pearl strings and creepers. The temple is of the Sarvatobhadra type having four functional doors, and a very interesting feature is that each door has two dwaarapaalas, and in total the temple contains eight dwaarapalas. The bhitti portion contains torana arches, kudyastambhas and jaalakas. The bhitti was once decorated with mural paintings of which traces remains. The two ghanadwaraas on the northern and southern side are adorned with relief sculptures of Brahma and dakshinamurthy. The jaalaka in the eastern side contains the sculpture of garuda. The square namaskaramandapa in front of the temple has a pyramidal roof, and it is plated with copper sheets. The adisthana of the mandapa has horizontal mouldings like upaana, jagati, octagonalkumudaand kumudapati. The mandapa has four pillars made out of stone and the ceilings is made out of wood, in which beautifully carved out floral motifs are seen.the whole temple is enclosed by a naalambalam.a well was placed inside the naalambalam on the N E side of the sanctum. There is a ganapati shrine in the south west corner of the temple. ParakkalSrikrishna Temple The architectural features of this temple are somewhat similar to the ThirupaalKadal Krishna shrine. This temple located one km N W of Thirupaalkadal temple, and temple is also placed in a much elevated place from its surroundings, and built in typical Kerala style. It is a circular temple with an ekatalavimaana, and has a conical roof plated with copper sheets. This temple features a square namaskaaramandapa with pyramidal roof covered with terracotta tiles.this temple faces east and it is partly built of granite and laterite. This temple has a collapsed naalambalam which was renovated and reconstructed recently. The temple has a sandaaravimaana, and it is circular both externally and internally. The inner circumambulatory passage holds eight pillars and this will give support to the roof (Figure 2) part of the adisthana, exactly from the kapota, the pranaalaemerges out. The pranaala is held by the simhamukha and it terminates also in simhamukha. The exterior of the pranaala is fluted with decorative elements such as pearl strings and creepers. This temple is of Sarvatobhadra type having four functional doors. The sopaana of this temple is of direct type, having banisters adorned with relief sculptures. The wall portion did not feature much decorative elements. The kudyastambhas and jaalakas features in the wall portion. The four jaalakas contain the relief sculptures of sheshasanamurti, mahishasuramardini, garudaa, salabhanjika, and ganapati. The ghanadwaaraas are simple and plain. Above the wall comes the prastaara, with kapota and kudu arches.the adisthana of the namaskaaramandapa has the mouldings like paaduka,jagati, kumuda and kumudapati. The mandapa has four pillars. The whole temple is enclosed by a naalambalam and this is recently constructed and there is a small porch, which holds the Balipeetha, made out of granite. The various parts are paaduka, jagati, 821

ISSN 2347 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 5: 2017 octagonal kumuda, kumudapati, gala kapotham and above an inverted padma.

5 ISSN Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 5: 2017 octagonal kumuda, kumudapati, gala kapotham and above an inverted padma.a well is placed inside the naalambalam, on the north east side of the sanctum. 822 Figure 2: ParakkalSrikrishna Temple Thekkinkara Siva Temple This Siva temple is placed to the south of the Thirupaalkadal shrine. It is also situated on an elevated part from its surroundings. The whole temple structure was once destroyed, and in the recent years, it is reconstructed. The whole temple structure is made in granite (Figure 3). The temple is a simple structure, and it lacks the usual features like the balipeetha,dwajastambha and the usual ornate sopaana. The temple is rectangular in plan and east facing, having a double pillared porch in front of the sanctum, and it is connected with the sanctum. The sanctum is differentiated from the porch by an antarala. Direct steps were used instead of sopaana. The temple has a paadabandhatype ofadisthana, havingupaana, jagati, tripattakumuda, kumudapati and kantha. Over which the wall portion begins, the bhitti portion is also plain, with three ghanadwaraas, and a pranaala entirely built of granite. The pranaala is alsoofvery simple in nature, without any decorative features. The adisthana and bhitti is differentiated by a vedika, with railing and has floral decorations. The Siva temple in Kizhperur does not show any features of Kerala s typical temple architecture. The roof of this temple is made out of granite, and it is plain without any decoration and itthisis a special feature that cannot be seen in any other temples in Kerala.

Renjeshlal2017: 818 825 Figure 3: Thekkinkara Siva Temple VanadurgaTemple This ruined temple is at the north of the Thirupaalkadal temple. The temple lacks the essential features of a temple.

6 Renjeshlal2017: Figure 3: Thekkinkara Siva Temple VanadurgaTemple This ruined temple is at the north of the Thirupaalkadal temple. The temple lacks the essential features of a temple. The ruined structures show, it was once a grand structure, with square sanctum and having a naalambalam. Now only the sopaana, adisthana and pranaala remains. The temple faces east and the adisthana of the temple shows it is of the manchatype that is the adisthana is without kumuda. Only upaana, jagati and kantha are seen.the pranaala did not show any decorative elements. The direct sopaanais installed here, with banisters. It is mentioned earlier that, the temple did not have any wall and roof. The deity worshipped here is Vanadurga and there is no idol, instead of it, a stone is placed. Normally Vanadurga temples did not have walls and roof because the idol is very much adhesive with the nature. Inscriptional Importance of Kizhperur Apart from these architectural and artistic features, the land Kizhperur has been mentioned in numerous inscriptions. The earliest epigraphical record about this place 823

7 ISSN Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 5: 2017 and the temples came in the 12 th century AD, i.e. in the Kilimanoor record of Kollam era 343 (1168 AD), ensures the existence of Thirupaalkadal temple, and it mentions about a person in the Kizhperur royal house, who donates lands for the temple. The other epigraphic record that mentions about Kizhperur is from Avanishvaram temple near Attingal dated to Kollam era 388 (1213 AD). It mentions the ruler as Raman Kerala Varman and it s an official record. Another important inscriptional record that mentions Kizhperur is the Arrur copper plate inscription of Vira Ravi Udayamarthandan, dated Kollam era 403 (1228 AD) and another dated Kollam era 426 (1251 AD) of the same author. Both inscriptions have significant importance as both of them deals with substantial administrative terms of that particular period. ThiruvidaikoduShiva temple inscription dated Kollam era 548 (1373 AD), mentions about special type of land donation systems of that time. NavaikulamSankaranarayana temple inscription dated Kollam era 613 (1438 AD) mentions about different constructions and its official record and about a particular Kumbhabhisheka ceremony. Adikesavaperumal temple inscriptions I and II dated Kollam eras 778 and 779 (1603 and 1604 AD) mentions about constructions and family history. Sankaranarayana temple inscription dated Kollam era 782 (1607 AD) mentions about different types of measures and certain gifts.the above mentioned epigraphical records were all mentions about Kizhperur as swaroopms or illam (house). These Travancore inscriptions often mention Kizhperur, Jayasimhanadu and Thrippappur as the associated names of the kings of Travancore. Earlier records mention only Kizhperur, which may be regarded as the house or the dynastic designation. These inscriptional evidence not only corroborate the significant role played by the Kizhperur in the making of Venad and Travancore history but also shows the nature of land grants, donations, different types of construction, diverse administrative terms and terminologies, numerous techniques of measurement prevailed in that era and helps to fill the blanks in the royal family history, and different ceremonies held in the major temples. The intrinsic analysis of these numerous inscriptions will help to recreate the social hierarchy prevailed in Travancore at that time. The reconstruction and a better understanding of socio economic life and cultural existence of common people can be extracted from these invaluable documents. Conclusion The architectural and artistic splendor of a certain place shows the significant position of that place. Kizhperur is such a place having a magnificent but forgotten past. Apart from these temples, there has been a vast number of inscriptional evidence which shows the importance of Kizhperur. The splendid art and architecture shows the glorious past in the art history. By studying the inscriptions, the socio economiccultural and religious life that prevailed at that time, can easily be reconstructed. The congregation of numerous temples, with magnificent art and architecture concentrated in a tiny area, and the availability of plentiful inscriptions mentioning Kizhperur, again 824

8 Renjeshlal2017: shows the significance and reputation of that place in fostering the history of Venad and Travancore. References Aiyar, A.S. R Travancore Archaeological series (Vol. IV, V, &VI), Cultural Publication Department, Thiruvananthapuram. Aiyya, V. N The Travancore State Manual, Govt: of Travancore, Trivandrum. Jayashankar, S Temples of Kerala, Govt. Press, Trivandrum. Menon, A. S A Survey of Kerala History, S. Viswanathan printers and publishers, Trivandrum. Menon, P. S History of Travancore, Asian Education Services, New Delhi. Pillai, T.K The Travancore State Manual (Vol II), Govt. of Kerala Publication, Thiruvananthapuram. Poduval, R.V Travancore Inscriptions A topographical list, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi. Sarkar, H An Architectural Survey of Temples of Kerala, ASI, New Delhi. 825

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