Some of the most extraordinary architecture in the world exists in Kerala. The palaces and temples-usually in timber-are unsurpassed in their design and construction. Perfectly balanced, beautifully proportioned and superbly crafted, there are 900 hundred years of history to these temples. I remember being spellbound on seeing the Padmanabhpuram Palace during my first visit to Kerala, when in architecture school.
An outstanding book to celebrate this architecture and the craft of building has just been published. Glimpses of Architecture in Kerala-Temples & Palaces is meant for both the design student and the professional; as well as just about anyone else interested in the architecture of Kerala. A glossy coffee-table book with good production values, it makes for a useful companion on a trip to Kerala and an enlightening guide to its architecture. In a very personal and passionate narrative, the author adopts a simple and methodical yet evocative structure for the exhaustive documentation of the buildings.
Covering over 20 buildings in as many locations, author Katakam and photographer Joginder Singh cover everything from the better known buildings, such as Padmanabhpuram Palace (one of my favourite buildings), to the temples in Kaviyuc Pazhoor, Tricchambaram, Irinjalakuda and Peruvanam and the stunningly set Sri Ramaswami Temple, on the banks of a river at Thripprayar.
The description of the buildings and their architectural details are often accompanied by the myths and legends surrounding the structure. The settings and sculptures prove so dramatic that the author waxes poetic about them. Also interesting is a chapter devoted to the wooden houses of Kerala. It features some beautiful photographs of some houses and with details of their outstanding woodwork. The one I like best is the image from a poet's house that has been restored.
I have often wondered if there was a connection between the temples of Kyoto in Japan and the palaces and temples of Kerala. Both follow a simple plan-austerity combined with elegant proportions and a sense of scale. Timber construction is another common feature. But this connection is illusory, Katakam writes: "The details of construction are different and the proportion follows different norms".
Since the buildings chosen by Katakam and Singh are largely unknown to the outside world, this extensive documentation should bring them in focus. They have certainly tempted me to pack my bags and head in that direction. Outstanding photography by the young architect photographer, Singh is the best part of the book. He has caught the temples and palaces in their true glory and brought them alive. The pictures are technically brilliant, perfectly composed and with an attention to detail.
Ramu Katakam-one of our more sensitive architects has put a lot of effort and passion in this book and its publishing is timely. Having known him for more than two decades, I can appreciate the emotion and love that he has for these buildings.
Architecture in India appears to be going through an identity crisis. Most buildings being designed by the new generation appear to be clones of some of the worst examples of western and eastern architecture. I hope that at least some of them will look at the classic design vocabulary of these buildings, see the excellence in the craft of building that this country has and take inspiration from it.
