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Mysore is known as the city of palaces. Mysore Palace is the most attractive monument of the Mysore city. It was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja and is also known as Amba Vilas. It is located in the heart of the Mysore city. The original palace was made up of wood, which turned down into ash in 1897. The British architect, Henry Irwin designed the palace in Indo-Saracenic, Oriental, Dravidian and Roman style. It was rebuilt in 1912. The palace is a treasure house of artworks and exquisite carvings.
Mysore Palace is also popularly known as the Maharaja's Palace. It is a three-storey beautiful building built with fine gray granite and rich pink marble domes. The entry to the palace is from the 'Gombe Thotti' or the Doll's Pavilion. It is a gallery of traditional dolls. This collection also includes a wooden elephant howdah. Howdah in Indian parlance means a structure for carrying people on the elephant. The elephant gate with the Mysore royal symbol of a double-headed eagle is the main entrance to the center of a palace. The 'Kalyana Mantapa' which means marriage pavilion, has a central gabled roof. This roof is covered with stained glass with attractive peacock motifs. The floor is made of glittering glazed tiles imported from Britain.
The Diwan-e-Aam (Durbar Hall) of Mysore Palace is situated on the second floor. It has ornamented ceiling, a shining floor and sculptured pillars. The paintings describing eight manifestations of the Goddess of Strength and scenes from the epics are displayed here. On the same floor towards south is Diwan-e-Khas (hall for private audience). It has finely carved doors and beautiful stained glass ceiling. The walls and ceiling are designed with blue, red and gold colors.
There are twelve temples in the compound of the palace. On special occasions, religious ceremonies are conducted in these temples. The Mysore Palace has now been converted into a museum. The paintings, portraits, royal jewelry, costumes and weapons are displayed in this museum. The royal throne of the Wodeyars with about 200 kg gold, is displayed here during the Dusshera festival. The palace is spectacularly enlightened during the festive season.
This beautifully carved, painted and decorated Mysore Palace is worth a visit during your Mysore tours.
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