Koyikal Palace: A landmark for a Queen’s Legacy
In the town of Nedumangad near Thiruvananthapuram stands the Koyikkal Palace , a structure that does not have grand halls, yet carries within its walls the weight of a remarkable history. Unlike the opulent palaces of Travancore, this dwelling reflects the elegant simplicity and functional grace of a traditional Kerala household. Its charm lies not in ornamentation, but in the aura of the formidable woman who once lived here - Umayamma Rani , the Queen Regent of Travancore in the late 17th century. Travancore, like many Kerala kingdoms, followed the matrilineal system of succession known as Marumakkathayam , where the throne passed not from father to son, but from uncle to nephew. The sister will become the queen regent & her son the King. The queen had to have a son but what was more important is that she also needed a daughter whose son would become the king later. This meant that royal women played a pivotal role in lineage and governance. Over time, t...