British Residency, Colonial residence in Kollam, India
The British Residency is a two-story palace building in Kollam that combines European and Indian architectural elements, marked by tall glass doors and wooden flooring throughout. The structure also shows Tuscan style influences and is decorated with antique battle prints.
The building was constructed between 1811 and 1819 under the supervision of Colonel John Munro as an administrative center during British rule in Travancore. This was a period when the British were consolidating control over the region and establishing new governance structures.
The building displays a blend of European and Indian design features, with decorated walls, festoons, and floral patterns that reflect its administrative role. This architectural combination was typical of British colonial structures that wove together local and Western aesthetics.
Visiting the building allows you to understand the layout and function of a colonial administrative center, with interior spaces arranged for visitor access. The halls retain their original structure while being open for exploration.
The front facade features a rounded shape with a large gable crown displaying a seated lion bearing the French motto 'Dieu et mon Droit'. This royal heraldic symbol on an administrative building is a rare detail in British colonial architecture in India.
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