MYSORE MAHARAJA PALACE

The Mysore Palace, the former residence of the Woodeyars, is one of the largest of its kind in India. It was the seat of the dynasty that ruled Mysore from 1399 to 1947. The incredible longevity of this dynasty was interrupted only for about thirty years by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.

The first palace dates from the 14th century. It was built by King Yaduraya inside the fort of Mysore. Many times destroyed then rebuilt, the current palace dates from 1912. The previous building was destroyed by fire. In 1897, the young maharaja Krishnaraja Woodeyar IV ordered the construction of a new palace, which he wanted to be of unequalled splendor. It will be enlarged in 1940 by the last maharaja, Jayachamarajendra Woodeyar, who will add a second durbar hall, intended for public audiences.

The palace mixes different architectural styles from all over India: Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic. It is oriented towards the Chamundi hill. The three-story granite building is topped with pink marble domes. The 75 meter long façade is lightened by a set of regular arches. The central arch is topped by a statue of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

Ambavilasa. This large room was used as a private audience hall where the king received his ministers. The entrance is through a rosewood door inlaid with ivory which leads to a small shrine dedicated to Ganesh. The floors are made of pietra dura, a technique of inlaying semi-precious stones in marble slabs used in the Taj Mahal. The pillars are gilded. The ceilings are stained glass inlaid in steel grids to support the weight of the chandeliers.

Gombe Thotti. The dolls pavilion is a gallery displaying a beautiful collection of dolls dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth century. There are also Indian and European statues, as well as some objects used for ceremonies, like this howda (seat for elephant back) covered with 84 kilos of gold.

Kalyana mandapa. The wedding hall is housed in an octagonal room decorated with peacocks. The peacock occupies a central place in Indian symbolism. The peacock commonly symbolizes beauty and immortality. The stained glass windows on the ceiling are from Scotland.

Temples. The palace compound houses twelve Hindu temples. The oldest one dates back to the 14th century while the newest one dates back to 1953.

Every Sunday and on public holidays, the palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 light bulbs, offering a magical spectacle. The entrance is free.