Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thuckalay

Royalty is comfortable living. Not necessarily gaudy showing off. Impressed with elegance and simplicity of the royalty of travancore, considering they are among the richest royals in the world. These were talented and just rulers. One of the kings even invented Kathakali. The temple and scale may be what distinguishes the palace from a regular rich man's house.

Temple inside the palace.

Women would watch temple proceedings from these ornate windows.

Superior metal work of the times can be seen in the chains of doors and swings. Hand braided metal wire that are flexible. Jewelry was inspired by this royal metal work.