Mysore Maharaja Palace

The Mysore Palace is located in Mysore ,the city of palaces , Karnataka the southern part of India. It was initially built by Kings Tipu Sultan and Haider of Muslim Dynasty. But later modified and reconstructed by Wadeyer  or Yadu Dynasty rulers in architectural style of Hindus.

The construction of palace began in the year 1897 and completed in 1912.The architecture style The architectural style is Indo-Saracenic, and combines  Muslim, Hindu, Gothic  and  Rajput ways of architecture.Henry Irwin , a British architect was the designer of this

. To illuminate the palace against dark sky at night time nearly one lakh bulbs are required.The view of the palace specially at this time is awesome.Nearly on an average 10000 people from different countries visit this palace daily.

The Maharaja’s Palace is an excellent three storied building of well gray granite with thick pink marble domes and is a five storied tower of 145 feet from land .The maharaja palace is environed by magnanimous garden.

The significant features of palace are :-

Gombe Thotti or Doll’s Pavilion:

The entrance to the palace is through Gombe Thotti or the Doll’s Pavilion with traditional dolls from 19^th to early 20th centuryIt has a wonderful collection of Indian and European sculpture and wooden elephant howdah (structure to carry passengers) ornamented with 84 kgs of 24 carat pure gold.

The frontage has 7 expansive archways with 2 smaller ones lying on either side of central arch sustained by tall pillars is to mark the start and end of Dasara festival which is celebrated for 9 days every year.

Central arch contains  impressive carving of elephant through which one can enter center of the palace.

Ambavilasa or Diwan e Khas :

This hall is one of the spectacular rooms in the palace facing east on the first floor and was used by the king for private audience.To enter into this room one has to pass brilliantly carved doorway of rosewood decorated with ivory.

The central area is wonderfully ornated with steel grills,gikded columns,floral motif chandeliers, mosaic floor adorned with precious stones and satained glass roofs.

Kalyana Mantapa or Wedding Hall :

This hall has roof  of stained glass in octagonal shape  at center with peacock themes arranged in geometrical forms. Even the floor of the Mantapa continues the peacock theme with mosaic and tiles from England and  oil paintings  illustrate the royalty.

Armoury  :

It houses a collection of weapons that were used by the kings in times of wars from 14^th to 20^th century.

Apart from the above the palace comprises of portrait gallery, collection of jewelers and costumes,carved doors of mahagony and silver, glass ceilings and paintings in such a way that they head towards you  where and how one stands. On occasion of Dasara the Royal throne which is made of 200kgs of pure gold is exhibited.

Visit the Mysore Maharaja Palace which serves as a charming place of city Mysore.

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