Udupi: Centuries Old Suralu Palace Awaits Restoration to Former Glory

By Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)

Udupi, Jul 15: Suralu Palace, with a history of over five centuries, is 28 km away from the city.  It’s a distinct palace in terms of construction, ‘vaastu’ and other aspects. It lies on a plot of one acre and dates back to the 15th century, and is completely built from the earth.

Splendour of Place:

If one turns the pages of history of coastal Karnataka, the erstwhile Tulunadu, it was a time when the Jain dynasties thrived; Pandyas in Barkoor, Bhairavas in Karkala, Chowtas in Moodbidri, Ajilas in Aladangady, Bagarasas in Beltangady, Samantas in Mulky, and the Tolahas are significant among the 12 Jain kings.  Suralu was the capital of the Tolaha dynasty and the palace was built by the Tolaha dynasty in 1511 AD.  Tolaha’s kingdom extended to Suralu, Shiriyara, Nalavattanadu, Kelanadu, Shankaranarayana, Basroor, Halligeri and Byndoor.

Suralu place has the blend of Vastu derived from Hindu – Jain cultural hierarchy. It also depicts the regional sculptures and vaastu of that era.  It was built using earth and timber.  It’s a testimony for the skills of the ancient people as the structure has been built without a foundation except at the front portion.

The walls are built of clay and country tiles cover the roof-top while there are sculptures on doors, windowsills, pillars, and the ceiling.  The only addition of a modern floor was done in the front portion of the palace during the reign of Koosammadevi Tolaharti in 1858. The palace has eight spacious blocks including a worship centre for Goddess Padmavati while other worship centres of Lord Ganapati, Durgaparameshwari, and Gopalakrishna, are located on the outer wing.

Mute spectator:

The palace, built of clay, that has survived five centuries, has great significance to coastal Karnataka more than the Tolaha dynasty.  The palace that survived the rule of the dynasties of Vijayanagar and Keladi, Portuguese and British rulers, Mysore rulers Hyder and Tippu Sultan, the Mumbai province, the freedom struggle and post Independence era, now lies orphaned.

The palace that thrived in the past, now lies in a deplorable condition.  The roof top, wooden beams and ceilings, walls, and staircases are crumbling.  The kitchen and the queen’s bedroom are already in shambles.

The Jain kings ruled erstwhile Tulunadu over the past many centuries.  Among the 12 palaces built by them, Suralu palace has survived the test of time so far. Its distinct local artwork of that era is indeed rare to find.  It lies in a deplorable condition and if early measures are not taken to restore it to its former glory; it will wither away in a few years especially in the monsoon season.

Despite many people and office-bearers of social welfare organizations in the neighbourhood presenting memorandum to the district administration urging restoration of Suralu palace that is of archaeological importance to its former glory, their efforts were in vain.

The Archaeological Survey of India released Rs 60 lac in 1993 to begin the restoration work that had gone on up to 2000, but it proved shoddy and further caused damage to the historical structure.  If the palace is restored, the new generation would get an opportunity to unravel history.

“We have information that the Archaeological Survey of India has released Rs 1.6 crore for restoration of Suralu palace.  It would expedite the restoration work,” said Sudarshan Shetty, managing trustee of Suralu palace.