This pale-white mansion occupies a large plot of land at the junction of Still Road South and St Patrick’s Road. This is the Karikal Mahal. It is the former residence of a wealthy Indian merchant.
Technically, it doesn’t really look exactly like the Taj Mahal, where you have the prominent dome. But this building you see behind me has a rich history.
In 1917, a wealthy Indian merchant name Moona Kadir Sultan bought this plot of land and built a large mansion for his numerous wives and children (six sons and five daughters). It took 3 years for this majestic mansion to be completed and it comprises of four houses with a luxurious garden, fountains, and beautiful angel sculptures.
As you can see, the exterior has a mixture of Victorian, Italianate and Indian-styled design. Costed at $500,000, it was a considered a huge amount back in the twenties. You can only get a 3-room BTO flat with that price today.
Karikal Mahal was named after Kadir Sultan’s hometown back in South India. And for those that didn’t know, the word Mahal means palace or mansion.
Before the land reclamation of Marine Parade in the late sixties, the mansion was only a short distance away from the coastline, allowing the residents to enjoy sea breezes and listen to the sounds of waves.
Kadir Sultan landed in huge debts and was made bankrupt. He was forced to give up his mansion. It was later sold to the Lee Rubber Company in 1947, where they turned this palace into a 20-room hotel, which was known as Renaissance Grand Hotel.
The reign was eventually short-lived. It was then converted into an empty warehouse to store unwanted furniture.
The land is still owned by Lee Rubber, and it is estimated to be worth $300m today.
In 2016, the buildings were then given a new lease of life when they were leased to a British childcare provider and turn it into a Preschool.
The government acquired part of the land in 1973 and constructed a main road linking the north part (Joo Chiat area) to south. Still Road cuts through the occupied land, splitting the garden from the mansion.
Nearby, there is a road named after Karikal Mahal. It is the Karikal Lane, a short stretch of road perpendicular to St Patrick’s Road.
Today Karikal Mahal is placed under the conservation list by URA as part of the preservation efforts of Katong area.
Well, the legend himself may be forgotten, but his legacy that he has build over a century ago will forever remain.
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