The historically important ‘kalithattu’ structures on the premises of Vattakad Devi Temple near Vallikkunnam in Alappuzha district of Kerala, which are believed to be over three centuries old and have been neglected for long, are now set to get a new lease of life.
It is expected that the reconstruction of these structures will commence by August 2024. Archival conservation experts from Studio Maram, an architecture firm based out of Malappuram, will carry out this project using original construction methods and traditional materials. This initiative is supported through corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and crowdfunding activities.
The one on the south and another on the north side with roofs and open sides under TDB were the two wooden structures having architectural peculiarity as well as historical significance before they finally broke down. They stood there alone without any attempt at preservation until they collapsed into ruin. On June 27th, 2024 the southern one fell down.
“Studio Maram wanted to preserve them after hearing about their plans,” said Vattakad Devi Temple advisory committee secretary R Shaji. This design came up due to negotiations held with TDB where it was resolved that we shall rebuild using CSR funds while they shall source for money through us. The funders would provide financial support to Studio Maram who would then find funds for their own client from our ranks who was therefore not going to donate anything towards the scheme except when finished it would look like how they did earlier.” He also thanked A Ajikumar who is a member representing TDB in Vettakad temple advisory board among others.
This project may cost around ₹1.25 crore (approximately INR 12 million), and its estimate will be sent soon by Studio Maram to TDB (Travancore Devaswom Board). All stone engravings present will be replicated precisely by hand. Architects are now documenting every aspect of the structures.
“Because one structure has collapsed and another is in an advanced state of decay, restoration is impossible. Both ‘kalithattu’ will be rebuilt, retaining the originality of the structures as much as possible. The initial wooden ‘kalithattu’ were made from wild jack wood and so this will be used for reconstruction purposes. Traditional knowledge systems and joinery methods will be utilized during this process,” said Anand Vishnu BU, Studio Maram’s CEO and a conservation architect.
History museum
Mr Anand said that within the temple premises, they would create a history museum which would exhibit materials obtained from the present kalithattu and other memorabilia saying “In the long run our aspiration is to give ‘kalithattu’ place in UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Register of good safeguarding practices,” added Mr. Anand.
Studio Maram had won national and State Gold Leaf Awards given by Indian Institute of Architects for designing Kunjunni Mash Memorial at Valappad in Thrissur under Responsible Architecture and Public Building category recently.
