On the way to the Ponmudi Hills, there is an archaic building with slanted gabled roofs at Nedumangad. Many drive past Koyikkal palace. A discerning few make a conscious choice to visit it.
The palace, which was the royal headquarters of the Perakam dynasty, is now home to the Folklore Museum and the Numismatic Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology. Now, it is set to be renovated.
The State government has given administrative sanction for Rs.3 crore for the modernisation plans of the naalu kettu- shaped palace and the museums it houses.
The works are expected to start in two months, Director of the Archaeology Department G. Prem Kumar told The Hindu .
He said the modernisation plan was prepared after consulting archaeologists and historians and was in accordance with the latest technology in museology.
Mr. Kumar said one of the main concerns was the structural stability of the palace, which was constructed over three centuries ago. The stability would be improved upon and stone pedestals would be installed to display artefacts. In addition, the museum would receive a kiosk and an open theatre, he said.
At present, old coins and artefacts are kept in an assorted manner. Separate galleries would be built for the two. The pedestals used for display would have impact-resistant glass and special lighting would be provided.
Since theft and fire are major issues for any museum, the palace would be provided with a state-of-the-art security system, Mr. Kumar said.
