A Dravidian Monument with European Influences: Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace Midhun Built in 1636 by the greatest king of Madurai’s Nayak dynasty, Thirumallai Nayak, Madurai Palace is among the oldest surviving palaces in South India. Spread over 41,979 sqft, the palace stands on 248 pillars that rise up to 20 metres and have a circumference of 4 metres. Surprisingly, the downfall of this great palace wasn’t caused by the elements, it was the rather jealous and over-ambitious grandson of Thirumalai Nayak, who tore it down and took away all the jewels and ornaments of the palace to build his own fantasy in another city. His hubris-filled dream didn’t come to fruition and what we are left with now is the remnants of a battle between passion and mania. Spread over 41,979 sqft, the palace stands on 248 pillars that rise up to 20 metres and have a circumference of 4 metres. Built without a rafter or girder, this wonder has some stunning stucco works and magnificent arches. As a heritage lover, it’s easy to lose yourself in this forest of columns. The Nayak dynasty ruled over much of present-day Tamil Nadu for almost 200 years from 1545 to 1740 and has left behind many of its monuments, built mainly by Thirumalai Nayak. A TO Z INDIA ● JUNE 2023 ● PAGE 24