Damaged “Thottapura”, near Peerumade, idukki. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Strong rain destroyed another historic building in Peerumade in IDUKKI. The construction of one room that is used as Thottapura (Store Explosives Store) at the former Travancore Kingdom, is the latest Raj buildings that are falling apart in the district.
It is assumed that the building was built during the Maharani Sethi Lakshmi Bayi, who ruled Travancore as a regent. The primary purpose of the construction was to store the explosives needed for the construction of temples and roads Kottayam-Kumily (KK). It is assumed that the building was built about 100 years ago using Stone and “Surkhi”. The magnet was fastened to the roof of the building to protect it from lightning.
The building, covered with the roots of the Banyan tree, has been in a dilapidated state over the years. Recently, the roots began to dry, resulting in sudden damage to the building. It collapsed on Tuesday. The inhabitants demanded measures to protect the historical structure.
Thottapura, covered with roots of the Banyan tree, a year ago. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Several Raj-Rea buildings remain in the peerumade hills. One of them is the 130 -year Kuttikkanam Palace, also known as Ammachi Kottaram.
According to the sources of the Ministry of Tourism, if the ownership of these historical buildings is provided by a department, it may include places in the Heritage tourism projects and ensure the protection and historical value of such buildings. Buildings such as ThottAppura would help to educate the younger generation about our past, said the Toursim official.
Published – 16 July 2025 20:19
