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“I wonder if India has any palaces. I think the nation had a lot of kings and princes, so I imagine that must be the case!” The answer to your question is, “Yes, India has lots of palaces, one of which is Mysore Palace!”
This article will describe this amazing and historic palace in detail! So read on to find out more!
See Mysore Palace history in action
Mysore Palace history is complex and interesting! Located in the heart of India’s southern state, Karnataka, it has been the place where Mysore Kingdom’s royalty has lived for several centuries. For example, the last great Prince of Mysore, the Wadiyar Dynasty ruled the Mysore Kingdom from there. The Chamundi Hills lie to its Eastern side. Mysore Palace is located in the old fort which guarded the Mysore Kingdom.
The palace’s history begins in the 14th century which was when Yaduraya built it. The original palace was razed to the ground and has been rebuilt many times in the past six centuries. The current palace is a replica of the previous version which was completely destroyed by fire. The current version was built between 1897 and 1912.
Mysore Palace is the second most heavily visited place by tourists. It receives more than 6 million visitors annually.
Mysore Palace’s construction
The current version of the palace stands where the Old Palace (also called the Wooden Palace) once stood. The Wooden Palace was burnt to the ground in 1896 when the townspeople were celebrating Dussehra. Disillusioned, the then head of the Wodiyar family, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi asked a British architect named Henry Irwin to rebuild the palace.
The Wodiyar family asked the trusted and esteemed engineer B.P. Raghavulu Naidu to manage the massive construction project. The new palace’s design, construction, and architecture were inspired by the many historic and beautiful buildings which stood in Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. The Wodiyar family used $30 million of taxpayer’s money to build the palace which was finished in 1912.
The Public Durbar Hall wing is also attached to the palace. This was added in 1930. The then leader of Mysore, JayaChamarajendra Wodeyar wanted this addition. Living quarters for the Wodiyar family were built after the final construction of the temple. The royal family began to live in these places as they were being built. The Wodiyar family also commissioned other architectural and construction projects which added to the palace’s natural beauty.
Mysore Palace architecture
Archaeologists and scholars use the term Indo-Saracenic to describe Mysore Palace’s architecture. Indo-Saracenic building style combines the best of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic architectural and building styles for a unique design and look. If you enter the palace, you will be greeted by double-arched gates with small marble domes on top of the left and right sides of each gate! The official coat of arms of the Mysore Kingdom graces the entrance. You’ll see the words “never terrified” which reflected the viewpoint of the Mysore Kingdom leaders etched on the coat of arms in Sanskrit.
The palace has three floors and a tower that is 145 feet high and has five floors. Mysore Palace is encompassed by a large and beautiful garden. It’s the all-encompassing garden in front of a lake that is characteristic of later Mughal architecture.
The entire palace is 245 feet long and 145 feet wide. You’ll find fire extinguishers in all corners. This was constructed to prevent the palace from being destroyed by fire once again. You can enter the complex through the East Gate, the Southern Entrance, or the Western Entrance. Keep in mind that the East Gate is the front gate which is only open during Dussehra celebrations and when important government officials visit. The West Entrance tends to only be open during the Dussehra festivities, but the Southern Entrance is open to anyone all year.
Also Read: Top Monuments in India
Mysore Palace itself makes for a real treat to the eye with its grey granite buildings which are topped by marble domes made out of pink marble. The construction, usage, and contrast of colours make the entire palace stand out, look surreal, and stately. Its facade has many expansive arches. The central arch stands in front of the complex and is surrounded by two smaller arches on either side. The stature of the Hindu Goddess of wealth and fortune, Laxmi, adorns the top of the central arch and she is surrounded by many elephants that represented power and prosperity in ancient India. Each of the arches is supported by granite square and grey pillars.
The complex contains 21 temples for worship. Mysore Palace was built next to the very old Parakala Mutt headquarters. Its leaders were the Wodiyar family’s private and personal tutors. The Wodiyar family worshipped the great Goddess Chamundi and placed their private residence next to the mountains which honor her!
Mysore Palace Timings
You need to know about Mysore Palace Timings if you are interested in visiting the place. Mysore Palace is open from ten in the morning until five in the evening every day of the week.
Mysore, India
“Okay, I get it, Mysore Palace seems to be one of the great landmarks and buildings in Mysore, India. However, there must be other things to see and do in this place. Please inform me about them!”
Well, you’re right, there are! One interesting place for you to see in Mysore is the Brindavan Garden. The organized nature of the many species of flowers and trees in this garden is amazing. You’ll love the many fountain shows which will take your breath away!
If you love saris, then the Government Silk Weaving Factory is a must-visit place for you. If you can’t find a silk sari at this place, then it probably doesn’t exist! You’ll love the great quality of sari you will get for amazingly low prices. The factory is open from 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. with a half an hour break for lunch at noon! It is located on Mananthody Road in Ashokapuram.
Mysore Palace is interesting
“Wow, I never knew these things about Mysore Palace. It does indeed seem to be an interesting place to visit with interesting surroundings!”
