The dwelling or palace of the prince is distinguished by the terms _kadáton_ or _kráton_, being contractions, the former probably from _ka-datu-nan_, and the latter from _ka-ratu-nan_, the place of the _Dátu_ or _Rátu_ (prince). Those of the Regents or _Bopátis_ (nobles entrusted with the government of provinces), are styled _dálam_; a term which is applied to the inmost hall or chamber of both buildings; and by which also, particularly in the _Súnda_ districts, the chiefs themselves are often distinguished.
The _kráton_, or palace of the prince, is an extensive square, surrounded by a high wall, without which there is generally a moat or ditch. In the front, and also sometimes in the rear, an extensive open square is reserved, surrounded by a railing, which is termed the _álun álun_. On the wall of the _kráton_, which may be considered as the rampart of a citadel, are usually planted cannon; and within it, the space is divided by various smaller walls, which intersect each other, and form squares and compartments, each having a particular designation, and answering a specific purpose; separate quarters being assigned within the walls to all the families who may be considered as attached to the person of the sovereign, or that of the princes. The circumference of the wall of the _kráton_ of _Yúgy'a-kérta_ is not less than three miles; and it was estimated that, at the period of the assault in 1812, it did not contain fewer than from ten to fifteen thousand people. That of _Súra-kérta_ is neither so extensive, nor so well built. After crossing the _álun álun_, or square in front of the _kráton_, the principal entrance is by a flight of steps, at the top of which it is usual for the new sovereign to be invested with his authority, and on which he is seated on those occasions in which he shews himself in public. This is termed the _setingel_, from _seti-ingel_, the high ground. On these occasions, the _Pang'érans_ and nobles are ranged below. Proceeding into the interior of the building, and after descending a flight of steps, we find the next principal gateway or entrance is called the _brójo nólo_. After passing another court, the next gateway is termed _kámandúngan_; and beyond this again is the last passage, distinguished by the term _s'rimenánti_. Still farther on, in the centre of a square, is the hall, _mendópo_ or _bángsal_, of the prince. On one side of the square are two small _mendópos_, or open sheds, called _bángsal peng'ápit_, where the _Pang'érans_ assemble to wait the appearance of the sovereign in the principal _mendópo_; and on the opposite side is the dwelling, or _úmah tumpang_, of the prince, termed _próbo yókso_. The _bángsal_, or _mendópo_, is a large open hall, supported by a double row of pillars, and covered with shingles, the interior being richly decorated with paint and gilding. The ceiling of the _mendópo_ of _Yúgy'a-kérta_ is remarkable for its splendour and richness, being composed according to that peculiar style of architecture frequently observed throughout Java, in which several squares, of gradually decreasing sizes, are arranged one above and within the other; a style which is general among the Hindus, and strongly marks the architecture of the Burmans and Siamese.