File:Ramanathapuram 1784 a.jpg

தமிழ்: இராமநாதபுரம் அரண்மனை - 1784ஆம் ஆண்டு

British Libraray online gallery said that This photogaraph was take by Lyon, Edmund David in the year of 1868 with the following notes:

Ramanathapuram, the district headquarters and an ancient town, is worth visiting for its Ram Vilas Palace. This palace of the Sethupati Rajas of Tamil Nadu houses their oil portraits through the centuries. Ceilings and walls are decorated with early eighteenth century murals, depicting subjects such as business meetings with the English, and battles with the Maratha chief Sarabhoji, as well as scenes from epics. Lyon wrote of the Raja and this view: '[it] gives a front view of his Palace, which cannot be said to belong to a very high style of architecture. However nothing can exceed his kindness and civility, and the traveller availing himself of his bullocks, which he is sure to offer, Nina Covill may be reached the first night, a distance of twenty-three miles. It is said there was here a temple dedicated to snake-worship, but nothing of the sort is to be found. From hence, in another night, Calliar Covill can be reached, the distance being twenty-seven miles. There is excellent camping-ground, under trees, close to the pagoda, which, according to Hindu history, was created 17,000 years ago, by the Emperor Chakravartee'.