Pazhassiraja Museum

The Pazhassi Raja Museum, located at a distance of 5 km from Kozhikode at East Hill, houses a veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art. The museum is under the Archaeological Department of the State. The museum and the art gallery are named after the great Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam Royal Family. He led the famous 'Pazhassi Revolt' against the British East India Company during the second half of the 1700s. Nicknamed the 'Lion of Kerala', the king is also credited with introducing guerilla warfare in the hills of Wayanad to resist the British colonialism. This great freedom fighter was shot dead in an encounter on 30 November 1805 AD. The museum has on its display ancient murals, antique bronzes and coins, megalithic relics such as diamond cysts, temple miniatures and umbrella stones.