• Final stage of renovation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The roof is made of teak wood with flowers carved in kumbil wood. Glass lanterns hang down from the center of these white-colored flowers on the green polished roof. The Durbar Hall in the Secretariat building, which was built during the royal period by combining Roman and Dutch architecture, is recovering its former glory. The renovation work of the hall, which is more than a century and a half old, will be completed within a month without losing its heritage. Under the leadership of the Public Administration Department, the Public Works Building Division is in charge of the renovation.

The hall is in the center of the Secretariat Central Block. The hall, which was used for important meetings etc., has been closed for years. The sheets on the roof had rotted and the water seeped down and the paintings on the wood had been destroyed. It was decided to renovate the roof when it reached the point of falling off. Work started four months ago.

The renovation is done without losing the architectural beauty and heritage of the hall. The craft work on the roof is almost done with the leak fixed. Minor works remaining including painting and electrical work. Parts of broken glass lamps will be rebuilt as they are. Old marbles laid on wooden floors will be polished.

Durbar Hall wonders

• Console tables with marble tops
• Rare table lamps
• Huge mirrors inscribed with royal seals in the form of two elephants
• Conch carved on the roof in the middle of the hall
• Anakavadam (Elephant Door) opening from the central block to the hall

Secretariat construction

• Started in 1865 and was completed in 1869
• During the reign of King Aayliam Thirunal
• Designed by Barton who was the Chief Engineer of Travancore
• A combination of Roman and Dutch architecture

“Being a heritage building, the cost cannot be pre-estimated like normal construction works. It will be known when the work is completed only. - General Administration Department, Secretariat