Rediscovering ammaveedus of travancore

Abstract

Ammaveedus are residential complexes built for the consorts of the maharajas of Travancore and their family. The Kingdom of Travancore followed a unique system of Matrilineal Kinship known as the marumakkathayam. This social system created a unique social organisation and customs. With respect to this system of Kinship, the consorts of the kings and queens were not given any royal status or power and were rather just consorts. Hence with regard to the matrilineal convections and due to reasons of caste, the residence for the consorts –Ammaveedus were located away from the main palatial complex. These ammaveedus were a unique group of dwelling units which portrayed the canonical practices of the traditional domestic architecture of Kerala along with the 18th and 19th century colonial bungalow architecture showcasing unique elements and character. Ammaveedus as a concept and as a system was unique to this region of Kerala. This uniqueness demands the ensemble of structures to be conserved to make it available for present and future generations.