Places Visit In Mysore

Mysore Palace,Mysore

The Palace of Mysore is a historical palace in the city of Mysore in Karnataka, southern India. It is the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars and rulers of Mysore, the royal family of Mysore, who ruled the princely state from 1399 to 1950.

Overview

The Palace of Mysore is a historical palace in the city of Mysore in Karnataka, southern India. It is the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars and rulers of Mysore, the royal family of Mysore, who ruled the princely state from 1399 to 1950. The palace houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court) and incorporates an array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The palace is in the central region of inner Mysore, facing the Chamundi Hills eastward.

Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces. There are about seven palaces inclusive of this; however, Mysore Palace refers specifically to the one within the Old Fort. Built by the Maharaja Rajarshi His Highness Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV, Mysore Palace is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in India, after the Taj Mahal, with more than 6 million annual visitors.

Mysore Palace also known as Amba Vilas Palace located at the heart of Mysore city is the most prominent tourist destination of Mysore that attracts millions of visitors round the year. This historical palace housed within the Old Fort facing the Chamunda Hills stands as the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1950. Displaying Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, this sprawling building is a replacement of the old wooden building destroyed by fire in late 19th century. Commissioned by the Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV, this palatial building comprises of two durbar halls, a number of colossal courtyards, buildings and strikingly beautiful gardens that speak volumes of the splendour of the Wadiyars.

History

The Wodeyars whose roots trace back to Dv?rak?, Gujarat’s Yadava community came to Karnataka and settled in Mysore getting enthralled by its natural beauty. Starting with Yaduraya Wodeyar who founded the Wodeyar dynasty in 1399, the Yadavas ruled the area for around six centuries. He was first to build a palace within Mysore’s Old Fort in the 14th century, but that was dismantled and built several times later. Immediately after the death of Tipu Sultan in May 1799, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III made Mysore his capital and eventually came under the control of the British. The spelling of the royal name of the dynasty was changed to Wadiyar from Wodeyar by his successors.

In 1897 the wooden palace was destroyed by fire while the wedding ceremony of His Highness Rajarshi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV’s eldest sister, Princess Jayalakshmi Ammani was taking place. That year itself the young monarch and his mother, Her Majesty Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhna, regent of Mysore, delegated Lord Henry Irwin, a British architect, to construct a new palace. In 1912 the construction of the palace was completed at a cost of Rs. 4147913. It was expanded in 1940 under the rule of last Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.

King Yaduraya first built a palace inside the Old Fort in Mysore in the 14th century, which was demolished and constructed multiple times. The regent of Mysore, Her Majesty Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhna, and her son, the Maharaja of Mysore His Highness Rajarshi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, commissioned the British architect Lord Henry Irwin to build a new palace to replace the old one which had been turned into ashes by fire.Meanwhile, the royal family stayed in the nearby Jaganmohan Palace.The construction was overseen by B. P. Raghavulu Naidu, who was Executive engineer in the Mysore Palace Division. He conducted elaborate architectural studies during visits to Delhi, Madras and Calcutta, and these were used in planning for the new palace. Construction cost Rs. 41,47,913 and was completed in 1912. This is the magnificent and a masterpiece of a palace which is standing in front of us and visited by hundreds of people from all over the world daily.

Construction of the current palace was commissioned in 1897, completed in 1912,and expanded around 1940 during the reign of His Highness Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore Kingdom. The construction was completed in 1912, but the fort continued to be beautified and its inhabitants were slowly moved to the newer extension built off the palace.

When was it built: Originally in the 14th century, later reconstructed/renovated several times
Who built it: Yaduraya Wodeyar (original one) and Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (present one)
Where is it located: Mysore/Musuru, Karnataka, India
Why was it built: Royal Palace
Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic
Visit Timing: Daily, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
How to Reach: One can reach Mysore by KSRTC bus, train or cab from Bangalore (140 Km approx), which is well connected by train and air with major cities of India and by air with some international ones.

Chamundi Hills,Mysore

Chamundi Hills is located 13 km east of Mysore, the Palace City, in Karnataka, India. Its average elevation is 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

Overview

The Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India.The temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity held in reverence for centuries by Mysore Maharajas.

On the city map of Mysore, draw two lines, one vertical and one horizontal through the center of the city (the palace). The right bottom quarter of the map is the greenest part of the city. Chamundi Hills is at the center of this quarter. Chamundi Hills is the prime landmark of Mysore city, visible almost from anywhere in the city center. The hill has very close association with the founding of the city. In fact the very name of Mysore is associated with the hill.

According to mythology this was the domain of the demon called Mahishasura ( the Buffalo Demon). The place was thus known as Mahishapura or Mahishuru , the land of Mahishasura. And that later morphed into Mysore in English and Mysooru in Kannada, the local language. A boon made Mahishasura so powerful that no man can kill him. Unable to stand his atrocities, people prayed to the goddess to save them from Mahishasura. Goddess Shakti, the personification of cosmic energy in the feminine form, took the avatar (form) of the fierce goddess Chamundeshwari. She kills the demon and saves the people. Because of this act the goddess is called Mahishasuramardhini , the slayer of demon Mahisha.

The hilltop is the place where her shrine is located. The mythology continues... According to some beliefs the Chamundi Hills is in fact in the shape of the fallen demon! Chamundi Hills has an important place in the history of Mysore. The oldest temple in Mysore, the Mahabaleshwara temple is located atop the Chamundi Hills. So is the oldest inscription found in Mysore. That was roughly made around the 9th century AD.

History

Named after goddess Chamundi, the Chamundeshwari Temple sits atop the main hill. The main hill itself features an ancient stone stairway of 1,008 steps leading to its summit. Approximately halfway to the summit is statue of bull Nandi, the vahana, or "vehicle" of Lord Shiva, which is 4.9m tall and 7.6m long and carved out of a single piece of black granite. Around this point, the steps become significantly less steep and eventually the climber is rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.

The Temple has a quadrangular structure. A key feature is the statue of Mahishasura bearing a sword in his right hand and a cobra in the left. Within the temple's sanctum stands a sculpted depiction of Chamundeshwari. She is seated with her right heel pressed against the lowest of the seven chakras. This cross-legged yogic posture echoes the posture of Lord Shiva. Worshipers believe that this powerful yogic posture, if mastered, provides an added dimensional view of the universe.

Since the early days of the Maharajahs of Mysore, the idol of goddess Chamundi has been carried on a decorated elephant as part of the celebrations in the annual Dusshera festival.From the peak of the Chamundi hills, the Mysore Palace, the Karanji Lake and several smaller temples are visible. Many of the temples were constructed by members of Shirdi Sai Baba movement.

Mysore Zoo,Mysore

Mysore Zoo is a 157-acre zoo located near the palace in Mysore, India. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India, and is home to a wide range of species. Mysore Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Overview

Mysore Zoo (officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) is a 157-acre (64 ha) zoo located near the palace in Mysore, India. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India, and is home to a wide range of species (168). Mysore Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

While mainly depending on entry fees for its financing, an adoption scheme introduced in the early 2000s has been a success. Celebrities, institutions, and animal lovers have contributed directly to the welfare of the zoo inmates.

Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens or more commonly known as Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Established in the year 1892 by the Royals of the Mysore, this Zoological Gardens was formed from a part of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar’s summer palace area. Located within an area of 157-acre (64 hectares), Mysore Zoo is the second most visited place in Mysore after Mysore Palace. It is currently an abode to 1450 specimen of animals and birds consisting 168 species belonging to more than 25 countries.

Mysore Zoo was established in the year of 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar. He is considered to be one of the architects of the modern Mysore city as well. To honor the famed founder the zoo was named after him as 'Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens'.

The various animals that are exhibited in the zoological gardens of Mysore are provided with large, spacious and open enclosures. This enables them to have the feeling of remaining close to nature. Many mammals, reptiles and birds are exhibited at this zoo. Various exhibitions are organized by this zoo of Mysore. Insect exhibitions are regularly held here. World Environment Day is celebrated in the zoo. Different programs are organized on this occasion. There are also many training sessions arranged by the zoo committee. Summer camps for school goers are also organized here.

History

Mysore Zoo was created in 1892 on 10 acres (4.0 ha) of the summer palace of Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar, and was originally called the Palace Zoo. The zoo was originally set up by G.H. Krumbiegel, a German landscaper and horticulturist. Over the next 10 years the zoo was expanded to 45 acres (18 ha) with spacious enclosures that are still in use.

The zoo was opened to the public in 1902, and now includes a bandstand and an artificial lake. It was given to the Department of Parks and Gardens of the Mysore State Government in 1948. The zoo was expanded first with another 50 acres (20 ha), and then another 150 acres (61 ha) with the acquisition of the Karanji Tank (Karanji reservoir), in which an artificial island has been created as a sanctuary for birds.

The zoo was handed over to the Forest Department in 1972, and was entrusted to Zoo Authority of Karnataka (the first autonomous organization in India to manage a zoo) in 1979.

The zoo had completed 100 years in 1992. The centenary celebrations were held in 1990 and 91. During the centenary celebrations various developmental activities were initiated such as renovation & modification of entrance gate, hospital building, Walk Through Reptiles, etc. The bust of Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar, founder of Mysore Zoo was unveiled. The logo of the zoo, centenary souvenir, publication of literature & leaflets, conducting various competitions, preparation of a documentary film were other highlights.

Best Time To Visit The Zoo

The Birds are active in morning hours, Mammals will be active after 3.00 p.m. visitors who visit the Zoo from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. often complain not spotting many animals in the Zoo. Due to severe hot conditions most of the animals are not active between 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. They prefer to take rest/sleep. So visitors are advised to visit the zoo before 11.00 a.m. or after 3.00 p.m. to see most of the animals.

Brindavan Gardens,Mysore

The Brindavana Gardens is a garden located in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka, India. It lies adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river Kaveri.

Overview

The Brindavana Gardens is a garden located in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka, India. It lies adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river Kaveri.The work on laying out this garden was started in the year 1927 and completed in 1932.Visited by close to 2 million tourists per year, the garden is one of the major attractions of Srirangapatna.

Located at a distance of 19 kms from Mysore City Center are the Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. The gardens are built across river Cauvery and below Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (also known as Kannambadi) which is in itself a magnificent example of engineering and a major tourist attractions. The dam was built by Sir M. Vishweshwariah in 1924 whereas the Brindavan Gardens were built by Sir Mirza Ismail.

Its symmetric design and terrace gardens clustered around topiaries, pergolas and gazebos instantly become a favourite among travellers. The illuminated dancing fountains on the northern side of the Brindavan Gardens are surely one of the many highlights of this place. A beautiful orchestrated show with colorful lights, music and harmonious coupling of water can be seen after sunset. The show is made more dramatic with laser lights.

The garden has a botanical park as well as fountains. Boat rides in the lake can also be enjoyed here. Fruit orchard and horticulture farms are situated adjoining to the Brindavan Gardens. Best time to visit the garden is after sunset as one can view the fountain show and enjoy a pleasant evening.

History

The Brindavan Gardens, a celebrated beauty spot in this part of India is world famous for its symmetric design. It is one of the most beautifully laid out terrace gardens in the world. The creation of this garden in the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam site has been the achievement of Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of the princely State of Mysore. The beautification of the whole dam complex was conceived by Sir Mirza Ismail. Modeled on the design of the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir in the Mughal style, the garden is enriched with a number of terraces, parterres, fountains, running and cascading waterchannels, water chutes, lush green lawns, flower beds, shrubs and trees. Today, the Brindavan Gardens is world famous for its ethereal beauty, grandeur and illumination/ musical fountain.

Located in the Krishnaraja Sagar dam site in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district, the Brindavan Gardens is at a distance of 24 Km. from the famous cultural heritage centre of Karnataka – the city of Mysore, and 143 Km. from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. The Krishnaraja Sagar dam is built across the river Cauvery, one of the principal rivers in South India. The Cauvery rises in the hills of Brahmagiri – in Talacauvery, Kodagu District in the Western Ghats and traverses Eastwards in Karnataka for about 320 Km. before entering Tamil Nadu and finally joining the Bay of Bengal. The dam is named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV during whose rule the Chief Engineer, Sir M. Vishveswaraya engineered the construction of the dam. The River Cauvery below the giant dam divides the garden into two parts.

Open:Every Day
Visiting Timings: 0600 Hrs to 2000 Hrs
Music Fountain Show Timings:Mon to Fri : 1830 Hrs to 1930 Hrs Sat & Sun : 1830 Hrs to 2030 Hrs
Visiting Charges:Children (Aged 5 to 15 Years) : 5 INR Adults (Aged 15 Years and above) : 15 INR

KRS Dam,Mysore

Krishna Raja Sagara, also popularly known as KRS, is the name of both a lake and the dam that creates it. It is located close to the settlement of Krishnarajasagara in the Indian State of Karnataka.

Overview

Krishna Raja Sagara, also popularly known as KRS, is the name of both a lake and the dam that creates it. It is located close to the settlement of Krishnarajasagara in the Indian State of Karnataka. The gravity dam made of surki mortar is situated below the confluence of river Kaveri with its tributaries Hemavati and Lakshmana Tirtha, in the district of Mandya.There is an ornamental garden attached to the dam, called Brindavan Gardens.

The practice of constructing dams across rivers is existent from ancient times. Dams have always been beneficial for the existence of civilization. KRS or Krishana Raja Sagar Dam is one the most famous dams in South India. Initially, it was a project to supply water for drinking and irrigation for Mysore and Mandya.

Later, it also became the major source of water for the Bengaluru city which grew faster. In recent times, KRS Dam has been in controversy over the Kaveri river issue. One question is how much do we know about this historical reservoir which has given life to so many? To know about it, have a look at some interesting facts about KRS Dam.

History

The region of Mysore and especially Mandya had historically been dry, and had witnessed mass migration to adjoining areas in the hot summers. A severe drought in 1875–76 had wiped out one-fifth of the population of the Kingdom of Mysore. Crop failures were common due to lack of water for irrigation.The Kaveri River was seen as a potential source of irrigation water for the farmers in and around Mysore in the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore.

The Chief Engineer of Mysore M. Visvesvaraya presented a blueprint to build a dam across the River near the village of Kannambadi. However, he was faced with opposition from the finance ministry of the government of Mysore who said the project would "serve no purpose" and that the electricity produced from it would not be of complete use due to lack in demand. He then approached T. Ananda Rao, the Diwan of Mysore and the Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV for a reconsideration.Upon examining, the latter gave his consent issuing an order on 11 October 1911 to begin the project and a sum of ₹81 lakh was set aside for it. Madras Presidency then opposed the project and urged the imperial government to not approve it. Upon Visvesvaraya's persuasion, the government consented. However, the initial plan of wanting to build a dam of 194-feet high to hold an estimated 41,500,000,000 cu ft (1.18 km3) of water had to be dropped.

Construction began in November 1911 and 10,000 workers were employed. A mortar known locally as surki was used in place of cement as the latter was not manufactured in India at the time, and importing would prove costly for the state.By the time construction completed in 1931, around 5,000 to 10,000 persons had lost their homes to the project. However, they were rehabilitated and provided with agricultural land in the adjacent areas by the government.

St.Philomena Church,Mysore

St. Philomena's Cathedral is a Catholic church that is the cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore, India. The full name is the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena. It is also known as St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Overview

St. Philomena's Cathedral is a Catholic church that is the cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore, India. The full name is the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena. It is also known as St. Joseph's Cathedral.It was constructed in 1936 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.This is one of the tallest churches in Asia.

With the fame of being one of the largest churches in India, this majestic church captivates everyone with its architectural excellence. It also boasts of being the second largest church in Asia. Dedicated to Saint Philomena, St. Philomena’s Church is not only known for its architectural beauty and religious significance; it stands as an exemplary of secular viewpoint and the religious harmony which existed in Mysore. This can be seen from the fact that this church was built by Mysore ruler for the European residents in the city.

The twin spires of the church towering over the trees and houses grab my attention, and my auto driver tells me it is St. Philomena’s Church. He was shocked that I’d been in Mysore for a week and hadn’t seen it yet, so he proceeded to drive me to the church to rectify my grave error in not paying a visit to this landmark. It is evident that he is proud of this church, and as I soon realize, he has due reason to be.

History

A church at the same location was built in 1843 by Maharaja Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. An inscription which was there at the time of laying the foundation of the present church in 1933 states: "In the name of that only God - the universal Lord who creates, protects, and reigns over the universe of Light, the mundane world and the assemblage of all created lives - this church is built 1843 years after the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Enlightenment of the World, as man". In 1926, Sir T.

Thumboo Chetty who was the Huzur Secretary to the Maharaja of Mysore, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar obtained a relic of the Saint from Peter Pisani, Apostolic Delegate of the East Indies.This relic was handed over to Father Cochet who approached the king to assist him in constructing a church in honour of St. Philomena.The Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation stone of the church on 28 October 1933.

In his speech on the day of the inauguration, the Maharaja is quoted to have said: The new church will be strongly and securely built upon a double foundation — Divine compassion and the eager gratitude of men.The construction of the church was completed under Bishop Rene Feuga's supervision. The relic of Saint Philomena is preserved in a catacomb below the main altar.This church is a good example of blending of local culture. Some of the female statues are dressed with local traditional dress, Saree.

Lalitha Mahal,Mysore

The Lalitha Mahal is the second largest palace in Mysore. It is located near the Chamundi Hills, east of the city of Mysore in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Overview

The Lalitha Mahal is the second largest palace in Mysore. It is located near the Chamundi Hills, east of the city of Mysore in the Indian state of Karnataka. The palace was built in 1921 at the orders of His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore for the exclusive stay of the then Viceroy of India.Built on a raising ground, the palace was fashioned on the lines of the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and is one of the imposing structures of the Mysore city.

The elegant palace is painted pure white. It was converted into a heritage hotel in 1974.It is now run as an elite hotel of the Ashok Group of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) under the Government of India. However, a veneer of the original royal ambience of the palace is maintained.

Set at the foot of the Chamundihill, The Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel is a 5 star heritage property. Situated at9 km from Mysore Railway Station and 2.9 Km from Mysore Race Club, this hoteloffers a Health Club with Ayurveda and Yogaservices. The hotel in Mysore offers 54 elegantlyfurnished rooms spread across 2 floors with in-room amenities like television,telephone, attached bath tubs, running hot and cold water and air conditioning. Additional amenities include informationdesk, left luggage room, indoor games, baby sitting, library, carhire/travel-service, doctor on call, money exchange, safe deposit locker,private parking and helipad.

History

The palace dates from the early 20th century, built in the princely state of Mysore under the British rule. The principality was the labelled by the British Administrators as a "Model State”. The Maharajas of Mysore were wealthy, second only to the Nizams of Hyderabad. The palace, a very impressive architectural edifice, was constructed with a reasonable amount of money, out of their annual income of two million pounds.

The then Maharaja of Mysore of the princely state (since absorbed with the Indian state of Karnataka after India got independence from British rule) was HH Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (June 4, 1884 – August 3, 1940) who ruled under the title “Wodeyar” with his capital in Mysore city.

He was the 24th ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty. Mysore rulers were considered as great patrons of arts and architecture and were reasonably ostentatious in their living style, as is evidenced by the number of highly beautiful monuments consisting of palaces, temples, churches and gardens that they built to enhance the architectural heritage of their Kingdom. The Lalitha Mahal palace was built in 1921 for the exclusive stay of the then Viceroy of India and subsequently as guest house for the European guests of the Maharajas.

Railway Museum,Mysore

The Railway Museum at Mysore, India is an outdoor exhibit of vintage locomotives. The Railway Museum was established in 1979 by Indian Railways, the second such museum after the National Railway Museum in Delhi.

Overview

The Railway Museum was established in 1979 by Indian Railways, the second such museum after the National Railway Museum in Delhi. The museum is opposite the Central Food Technology and Research Institute on Krishnaraja Sagar Road. It has locomotives and a gallery of photographs and paintings depicting the growth of railways in India. Railway signals and lights are also displayed. The museum has a battery-operated mini-train giving a short ride for children on the grounds.

One of the major attractions of the museum is the Chamundi Gallery, which has an extensive range of pictures and paintings on the railways and its growth on display. Sri Ranga Pavilion is another prominent part of this museum. It has two royal coaches on display. These grand coaches that belonged to the Maharaja of Mysore present a real picture of the luxury and grandeur with which the royals used to travel. Maharani's saloon carriage is also quite interesting to explore. This coach that dates back to 1899 is equipped with kitchen, dining car unit and royal toilet as well. Another attractive feature of the palace is Austin Railway Car.

It is 1925 Austin model, which was initially built for the roads, was converted into a railcar. It is said that this model was repossessed by a railway employee from scrap dealer. The employee restored the vehicle by making a few changes to the old model; he removed the steering wheel, and fixed the rail wheel on it. This vintage vehicle was converted into a railway with a capacity to seat 6 people and was later on used to take officials for inspection on tracks. A unique aspect of these locomotives is that some of these are still in working condition.

History

The Mysore Railway Museum was the first Regional Railway Museum in India which was set up in the year 1979. Most exhibits displayed at the Mysore Railway Museum were once accommodated at Mysore Palace.

The Mysore Railway Museum depicts pictures as well as objects related to the development of Indian Railways. Sri Ranga Pavilion and Chamundi Gallery are the two prime attractions of the Mysore Railway Museum.

The Chamundi Gallery showcases a distinctive collection of photographs, portraits and signalling signs that point out the growth of Railways. The wooden pillars, doors and balustrades from the old Srirangapatna Railway Station have been incorporated during the construction of Sri Ranga Pavilion.

Sri Ranga Pavilion consists of two royal coaches that once belonged to the Maharajas of Mysore. The Maharani’s Saloon Carriage is a popular exhibit at the Railway Museum which can be dated back to 1899. The first Steam Engine that was built in India is also on display at the Mysore Railway Museum.There is also a battery operated mini train, a toy train, at Mysore Railway Museum to take visitors for a ride along the grounds.

Jaganmohan Palace,Mysore

Jaganmohan Palace is a palace in Mysore, in the princely city of Mysore, India. Its construction was completed in 1861 and was initially used by the Wodeyars, kings of Mysore as their home.

Overview

Jaganmohan Palace is a palace in Mysore, in the princely city of Mysore, India. Its construction was completed in 1861 and was initially used by the Wodeyars, kings of Mysore as their home (when the present majestic Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) was under construction after the old palace turned into ashes owing to a fire accident). It is now converted into an art gallery and a function hall. The palace is one of the seven palaces of the royal city of Mysore and one of the most beautiful contributions of the Wodeyar Kings of the city during their regime. The royal family has innumerable contributions not only to Mysore but also to some of the most important present metropolitans like Bangalore.

A magnificent palace, adding to the royal grandeur of this city of palaces, Mysore is the Jaganmohan Palace. An apt example of architectural brilliance, this palace holds immense historical prominence as well. Situated at the centre of the city, Jaganmohan Palace used to be a retreat home for the Royal family. Over 150 years old, it was constructed in 1861, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III.

The palace was constructed in 1861 to rejoice the marriage of the princess of Mysore. The central gate of this Museum is adorned such a way that itself become a master piece of Art. The elaborate carvings on this wooden door are simply fabulous. Being one of the oldest buildings in Mysore, the palace was once the residence of the royal family till the royal palace was rebuilt. Like the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace as well is a splendid and ornamental Palace built by the ruler of Mysore. During the marriage ceremony of the princess of Mysore, the adorned front segment with a hall was added to the main building. Therefore this portion of the building is known as the Wedding Pavilion. This is the place where the birthday of the King Krishanraja Wodeyar IV and the Dasara Durbars were organized before completing the construction of the Durbar Hall or new Sejje in the main Palace.

Earlier the hall was used as an auditorium for the performance of plays and other cultural activities especially organized for the members of the royal family. As the gallery is located in the heart of the city, so till today numerous cultural activities and conferences are organized here in this hall. The Dasara festivities in Mysore are famous for holding cultural programmes. So, all these celebrations are organized here. There are two especial doors in this hall which are adorned with the intricate carving of the Dashavatharas or ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, what enhance the beauty of the gallery.

History

The Jaganmohan Palace was constructed in 1861 by the king, His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar III as an alternate retreat for the royal family.The Mysore Palace, which was the original home of the royal family was burnt down in a fire and the construction of a new palace in its place was started in 1897. Till the new palace was completed in 1912, the Jaganmohan Palace was used by the royals as their home.

In 1902, the king His Highness Rajarshi Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar was installed to the Mysore throne, in a ceremony that took place in a pavilion inside the Jaganmohan Palace. This ceremony was attended by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy and Governor General of India.The palace was used for his daily durbar by the king and also the special Dasara durbar during the dasara period. In 1915, the palace was converted into an art gallery, which was later renamed in 1955 in the name of HH Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, as the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery .

The early convocations of the Mysore University were also held in this palace. The first session of the Legislative Council of the Mysore state was held here in July 1907.The Legislative Council was then called as the Representative Council and was presided over by the Diwan (Prime Minister of the state). HH Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar converted the palace into a trust and opened it for public viewing.

Folklore Museum,Mysore

The Folklore Museum at Mysore, India, is a museum which exhibits folk art and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka .

Overview

The folklore museum that contains representative collections of art and crafts from all over Karnataka. The museum was founded in 1968. It is located in the University of Mysore in the Manasagangothri campus in the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. Since its foundation the University of Mysore has contributed to study of folklore, and the museum has been developed to its present level by scholars such as P.R.Thippeswamy, Javeregowda and Jeesham Paramashivaiah. P.R.Thippeswamy brought material from all over Karnataka to increase the museum's collection. As a folklore museum it not only showcases items but also elements of music, dance and drama.

The Folklore Museum of Mysore, Karnataka is a rich reservoir of over 6500 unique folklore items including elements from dance, music, art, literature and drama. It was established in the year 1968 in Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion of Mysore. With time the museum has increased its collection of arts and artefacts and witnessed increasing footfalls. The museum's gallery is divided into different wings and each of those displays objects from different walks of life. Some interesting exhibits here include.

The University Folklore Museum at the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Manasagangotri is considered one of the best of its kind in Asia. It has a precious collection of artifacts, handicrafts and indigenously made art forms from different parts of the state of Karnataka. A visit to this museum is a veritable journey through a paradise of diversity.

This is a hidden gem in Mysore. A typical tourist to the city is hardly aware its presence, leave alone adding it to the itinerary. However the Folklore museum's popularity is slowly catching up. Owned by the University of Mysore, this is the largest such museums in the country.

History

The Miyajima Museum of History and Folklore aims to illustrate to visitors the history of Miyajima, both in its larger historical context and in the commonplace details of Miyajima residents' daily lives. Works of art and artifacts relating to the island's shrine and its ceremonies are put on display alongside common tools used by local inhabitants in their day to day lives.

The building complex, in which the museum is located, is itself of interest. Built about 160 years ago, it originally served as the residence and storehouse of a wealthy merchant family who prospered in the soya sauce business. The front half of the museum consists of the preserved living quarters of the family, which looks out onto a traditional Japanese garden in the courtyard.