Mysore Palace History and Architecture

Mysore Palace is the imperial residence of the royal kings of Mysore, Karnataka. It is not only a magnificent architectural wonder but Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas is also a testament of the rich history and culture of the region. Situated at the heart of Mysore city of Karnataka, India, the palace is a symbol of grandeur and elegance. Precisely, Mysore Palace features a royal history of Mysore kings, stunning architecture and tremendous allurement for the tourists. The marvelous Palace of Mysore is therefore regarded as the second largest tourist attraction in India, just next to the Taj Mahal of Agra.

The magnificent architecture of the palace serves an insignia and proud history of the Wodeyar kings, who once had been the vassals of Vijayanagara Empire. Mysore Palace inside is full of artifacts, especially royal costumes, jewelry, weaponry, and vintage photographs etc. Each artifact represents the rich history and cultures of the royal family of Mysore, still living in the palace.

Mysore Palace is also popular with other names like Amba Vilas Palace or Mysore Aramane in the city. Adjacent to the palace is the Chamundi Hill, home to the revered Chamundeshwari Temple. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari, offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location. Legend has it that the goddess Chamundeshwari embarked on a fierce battle with the demon Mahishasura at this very spot, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Mysore Palace History

Primordial history of Mysore Palace dates back to 14th century, destruction and reconstruction in several phases. A wooden old fort then existed at the same place where the present Mysore Palace appears today. In 1638 CE, a lightning strike had damaged the palace badly. Mysore King, Maharaja Kantirava Narasaraja Wodeyar, however, did the repair work. He further added new pavilions to it. But Tipu Sultan who became the new ruler of Mysore in 1793, eventually demolished the palace.

The death of Tipu Sultan in 1799 broght back the Wodeyar rule in Mysore. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III ascended the throne of Mysore at his age of five years. He began a wooden construction of the palace in Hindu structural style which ended in 1803. But it caught fire in 1896 again, during the wedding of Jayalakshammani, the eldest daughter of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar.

Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the 24th Wadiyar king, however, constructed the present Mysore Palace. His mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi also had valuable contributions. The grand Mysore Palace consturction took 15 long years, which started in 1897 and eventually finished in 1912.

Mysuru Aramane history is extremely rich with the royal cultures of Mysore Kings. The Mysore Dasara festival, the Jamboo Savari on his Golden Chinnada Ambari or Howada is a 400 years old tradition which the entire nation still cherishes. After Independence of India, however, Wadiyar Dynasty no longer remained the rulers of Mysuru. Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar signed the instrument of accession on 15 August 1947, incorporating his realm with the Union of India. But Wadiyar dynasty still resides as Mysore Palace as a legal owner of it. But Mysore Dasara is still celebrated in grand traditional style.

Mysore Palace Architecture

British architect Henry Irwin was appointed as the chief architect for the marvellous construction. He travelled to Delhi, Madras, Kolkata and studied several architectural specifications. Sir Henry followed Indo-Sarasenic Architecture while designing the grand palace of Mysuru.

Indo-Sarasenic Architectures are widely noticeable in 19th century constructions in India. Glimpses of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and Gothic style are visible in Mysore Palace Architecture. Madras High Court, Victoria Memorial of Kolkata and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus of Mumbai are the famous examples of Indo-Sarasenic Architectures.

The Royal Mysuru Aramane construction cost was about 41 million Rupees (around $30 million) during that period.

The elegant 3-storied stone structure has marble domes on top, with beautiful large gardens surrounding it. A beautiful sculpture of goddess Gajalakshmi appears above the central arch. Whole palace is a beautiful amalgamation of styles from India and around the world. Palace has a five storied and 145 feet tall tower having colorful decoration.

Key Structures and places inside Mysore Palace

All structures, interiors of Mysore Palace are carrying an incredible history of aristocracy of Wadiyar Dynasty. Despite several demolition and destructions in its 600 years of history, Mysore Palace stood up strong every time.

1. Entrance gates;
2. Gombe Thotti;
3. Brass Elephant Gate;
4. Golden Howdah;
5. Kalyana Mantapa;
6. Public Durbar Hall;
7. Ambevilasa Hall;
8. Wrestling Courtyard

1. Entrance gates

Mysuru Aramane has 3 major entrance gates, built in the 20th century, appear on the east, west and south of the palace. Southern gate, the most beautiful gateway, was for public use.

Eastern and westerns gates too have beutiful decorations. Some of the entry gate pavillions have a very impressive look. But these gates were very rarely opened for public, unless any major festivals. Mysore Dasara was certainly such kind of festiveal in the city when these gates would open for public.

2. Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion)

Entry to the palace is through the Gombe Thotti, or Doll’s Pavilion. It is basically a gallery of traditional dolls from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Gombe Thotti also houses a fine collection of Indian and European sculptures.

3. Brass Elephant Gate

Halfway to the Gombe Thotti appears the Gaja Dwar or Elephant gate, a brass gate which serves as the entrance to the palace. The brass Elephant Gate of Mysore Palace is also known as Ane Bagilu. Beautiful foliage and floral decorations are visible on the gate along with the elephants. Mysore Royal symbol of Ganda-Berunda, a mythical double-headed eagle, now the state emblem.

4. Golden Howdah or Golden Ambari of Mysore Palace

Golden Howdah or Chinnada Ambari is the elephant seat that still bears the proud history of Mysore Aramane (Palace). During the famous Dasara festival of Mysuru, had a special, 400 years old tradition of Jamboo Savari. The King of Mysore, sits on his golden Chinnada Ambari and leaves from his Palace of Mysore for a royal procession. The royal Jamboo Savari on the Golden Howdah is therefore, a primary attraction of Mysore Dasara.

The golden throne is located in the northern bay of Amba Vilas Palace. Golden Howdah or Chinnada Ambari is a wooden structure in the form of a mantapa covered with 84 kilograms of gold sheets and precious stones. It has an intricate designs consisting of scrolls, foliage and flowers.

5. Kalyana Mantapa or Wedding Hall

Kalyan Mantap or the Marriage Hall is an octagonal shaped hall to host royal weddings in grand style. Multicolored stained-glass were used at the ceiling. Kalyana Mantap floor has gorgeous peacock motifs, in beautiful patterns. The walls have many detailed oil paintings which depict the royal procession and grandeur of the Dashra celebration of past years.

Mysore Palace Kalyan Mantapa interior reflects stunning Indo-Sarasenic architecture. The structure was designed in Glasgow, Scotland. It took more than 15 years to decorate the hall 4 highly skilled Indian artists. Peacock design, mesmerizing chandelier, casted pillars makes the hall itself a mesmerizing Beauty.

6. Public Durbar Hall inside Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace Public Durbar Hall carries the history of honour, pretige and pride of Wadiyar Dynasty of Mysuru. It is a large hall where the Maharaja of Mysuru would address the general public issues. The 155 feet long and 42 feet wide hall is adorned with majestic bottle-shaped columns of different hues. Paintings were made by famous Indian artists like Raja Ravivarma.

Famous golden throne of Mysore Palace, the seat of Maharaja, consists 280 kilograms of solid gold. Even in current times, the Maharaja ascends the golden throne on every Dussehra, the famous festival of Mysuru.

Public Durbar Hall opens from one side into an expansive balcony. A fine view of Chamundi Hills would definitely remove all weariness of Wadiyar Kings.

7. Ambavilasa or Private Audience Hall

Ambavilasa was the private durbar where the kings would meet their private guests. The Private Durbar of King would appear just next to the Public Durbar. Despite of being just an audience hall, the stunning architecture and interior design of Ambevilasa is the major attraction of Mysore Palace for tourists and history lovers.

Sir Irwin has shown incredible architectural skills in designing the hall. The ceiling and column decoration works are also exquisitely carved.

8. Wrestling Courtyard

The courtyard suggest the Wadiyar Kings had encouraged the game of wresting a lot. A class of wrestlers called ‘Jetties’ would only receive eligibility for the royal wrestling competition in Mysore Palace. The Wrestling Courtyard was specially constructed to organize such games.

‘Vajramusti’ was the most famous rather cruel wrestling game called often exhibited by Jetties, especially during the Dasara festival of Mysuru.

Mysore Dasara Festival

Dasara is the most famous festival in Mysore; and it actually is the festival of Dussehra. The belief is that, after 9 days of Navratri, on 10th day Goddess Durga (or in Mysore known as Goddess Chamundeshwari) killed the demon Mahishasura.

Mysore Dasara festival has the history of hundred years back since the Vijayanagar Empire. But after the Islamic invasion and defeat of Vijayanagar, it lost its charm. However, King Wodeyar I started Dasara celebration again around 1610 with the rise of the Wadiyar Empire in 16th century. Since then Dasara a hugely celebrated in Mysore.

Whole Mysore takes a decorative charm in this 10 days celebration. Cultural dance, music, martial arts and a parades are organized on the 10th day at the palace.

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