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Architecture
Kerala
has made its contributions to
the Science of Architecture. The influence of non-Kerala style can
be strongly seen in the varied architectural styles of temples (like
the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple), churches, |
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mosques and palaces. One comes across buildings that bear the
influence of South Indian styles (notably Pallava, Chalukya and
Chola) as well as Himalayan (especially Nepal and Tibet). The
roofing pattern of houses seen along the coastal tract from Kollam
to Kochi is reflects the Chinese influence. Traditional houses known
as Nalukettu were built in accordance with scientific architectural
principles expounded in the Manushyalaya Chandrika, a work dealing
exclusively with domestic architecture. The Kerala temple has a
distinct architectural style. The rock cut
temples
are the earliest known temples. Many temples have their walls made
of wood. The temples of Kerala, built in the Dravidian or indigenous style,
are among the most ancient monuments of the State and are of
considerable architectural and historical value. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram is an impressive
structure with a seven-storeyed tower and more than three hundred
granite pillars. A distinguishing feature of the Dravidian style is
the lofty tower (gopuram) with rising tiers. The Sri Padmanabha
Swamy Temple is the supreme specimen of Dravidian style in Kerala.
Temples built in the indigenous style are low in elevation.