Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Jagan Mohan Palace is one of the magnificent palaces that add to the glory of Mysore’s princely monarchy. The palace is a magnificent piece of architecture that reflects the style of Mysore’s former rulers, the Wodeyar Kings.
From 1897 to 1912, the exquisite palace housed the royal family of Mysore. Many significant events in Mysore’s history have occurred in the palace. Jaganmohan Palace is now an art gallery as well as a function space.
History
The Jagan Mohan Palace was built in 1861 as an alternative palace for the royal family by Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, the then-king of Mysore.
The Mysore Palace, which served as the official seat of the Wodeyar Kings, was destroyed in a huge fire in 1897 during Princess Jayalakshmanni’s royal wedding.
The royal family utilised the Jagan Mohan Palace as their residence following the destruction of the Mysore Palace.
It served as the royal residence until the Mysore Palace was completely rebuilt in 1912.
During this time, the palace also served as the venue for the king’s daily durbars as well as the exceptional Dasara durbars. Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV’s coronation took place in the palace pavilion in 1902.
The Mysore University’s first convocation ceremonies were held inside the Jagan Mohan Palace. In July 1907, the Mysore Legislative Council conducted its inaugural session in the palace.
The Architecture
The Jaganmohan Palace is a three-story Hindu-style edifice.
In 1900, the original palace was expanded by adding an external frontage and a hall to the existing structure.
Three entrances can be found on this new frontage.
Intricate religious symbols and small temples are carved into the palace’s entablatures. Murals portray the grandeur of Mysore Dasara, the royal family’s lineage, and other events associated with Mysore adorn the inner walls.
The palace’s main door is a work of art. Dashavatara, the ten avatars of the Hindu God Vishnu, are intricately carved on both sides of the massive oak door.
Auditorium
The Jaganmohan Palace’s vast auditorium was built in 1900 and first opened to the general public in 1980.
It has been utilised for a variety of cultural events since then, including dance performances, music concerts, festivals, dramas, cultural programs, and yearly Dasara programs, among others.
The Mysore Royal Family used to watch art and cultural acts at this hall. Currently, the auditorium is hosting several well-known national and international artists.
Sri Jayachamarajendra oversees the upkeep of the auditorium.
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
The Jaganmohan Palace was transformed into an art gallery in 1915.
In 1955, it was renamed Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery after Sri Jaya Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur, the last monarch of Mysore.
Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is one of South India’s top art galleries.
It houses a stunning collection of antiquities and artworks that originally belonged to Mysore’s royal family, among other precious treasures.
The art gallery has around 2000 priceless paintings on display, representing various painting styles such as those from Mysore, Shantiniketan, the Mughal period, and Western countries.
Sculptures, military weapons, antique coins and currencies, musical instruments, brassware, portraits, keepsakes, furniture, pottery, ivory and sandalwood carvings, Mysore gold leaf paintings, and an extraordinary French musical clock are among the gallery’s extensive collection of antiquities and exhibits.
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is one of India’s most opulent and expansive palaces. It was the official seat of the Wodeyar Dynasty, the rulers of Mysore from 1399 to 1950, and is located in the southern state of Karnataka. The majestic palace, located in the centre of Mysore city, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Mysore Palace: History
This royal building is the most magnificent of the seven palaces that dot the cityscape of Mysore.
The Wodeyars or Wadiyars, Mysore’s royal family, lay the foundation for the palace in the 14th century.
During his reign, Yaduraya Wodeyar, the first ruler of the Mysore Kingdom, is said to have built a palace in Puragiri, also known as the Old Fort.
For six centuries, this palace, which is thought to be the forerunner of the existing palace, has been razed and rebuilt several times.
The palace was originally a wooden stronghold that was hit by lightning in 1638 and rebuilt under Kantirava Narasa Raja Wodeyar’s reign.
Tipu Sultan dismantled and restored the palace after he took over the Wodeyar Dynasty in 1793 AD.
The palace was taken over by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1799, shortly after Tipu Sultan’s death, and renovated in the Hindu style of architecture.
Mysore Palace Architecture
Mysore Palace was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, with influences from Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic architecture.
Fine grey granite was utilised to construct the three-story palace, as well as a 145-foot five-story tower, and deep pink marble for the domes.
Two durbar halls, several arches, canopies, columns, and bay windows adorn the façade of this magnificent monument.
There are four entrances to the Palace. To the east, is the “Jaya Maarthaanda,” to the north, “Jayarama,” to the south, “Balarama,” and to the west, “Varaha.”
In addition, the palace is surrounded by a large green garden.
Carved doors, stained glass ceilings, gleaming glazed flooring tiles, magnificent Czechoslovakian chandeliers, and works of art from around the world adorn its interiors.
The palace’s apartments are opulent and inviting.
The goddess of wealth, Gajalakshmi, is shown with two elephants above the central arch.
The palace contains additional secret tunnels in addition to the three entrances on the eastern, southern, and western sides.
A complex of temples dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries can also be found at the palace.
Current Status
The Government of Karnataka now manages Mysore Palace, which retains its status as the Maharajas of Mysore’s Royal Seat.
Souvenirs, jewellery, regal costumes, and artworks are among the treasured belongings of the Wodeyars preserved in the great edifice.
Even though the palace is available to the public, a portion of it is still occupied by the former royal family.
The Residential Museum, which is located within the walled complex, houses some of these residential quarters.
The Mysore Dasara Festival, which dates back to the sixteenth century, is celebrated here.
Every year, more than 6 million people visit this majestic monument to learn about its rich history.
Conclusion
One of the most exquisite and largest palaces in India is Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace. It was the official seat of the Wodeyar Dynasty, which ruled Mysore from 1399 to 1950, and is now located in the southern state of Karnataka.
The Jaganmohan Palace, located in the royal city of Mysore, is a magnificent structure with a long and fascinating history. The Wodeyars of Mysore utilised it when their primary residence, Amba Vilas Palace, was being renovated following a fire. It is one of the city’s seven palaces and is considered one of the most beautiful contributions made by the city’s Wodeyar Kings during their rule.
