Mysore Palace

Address: Sayyaji Rao Rd,

Mysore, Karnataka -
570001
Architect: Henry Irwin
Style : Indo saracenic

Mysore palace is a three storied structure which
was reconstructed in the year 1912 in indo
saracenic style, which blends in together
Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of
architecture.
The old palace fell down due to a fire accident in
1897, keeping that in mind, the palace was
re-built using Marble and Steel, limiting the use
of Teak and Timber only to the interiors.



Mysore Palace
Old Mysore Palace
Exterior
Interior
Mysore Palace Front Facade
Above the central arch of the front facde is a
sculpture of goddess Gajalakshmi. This is a common
feature in Hindu architecture as the goddess
Gajalakshmi is considered of wealth, prosperity and
abundance.

Further on top of this dome is a domed Chhatri. That is, a smaller dome supported by slender
pillars projecting up from the large dome. Domed Chhatri is a typical Rajput ( Rajasthan )
architectural feature. You can spot on the southern and northern extremities of the palace
protruding balconies. These resembles that of the jharokha one find in the Rajasthani
architecture.

Domes of Mysore palace
To easily understand the hybrid style, take a look at the tallest tower of the palace. This is a five
storied tower measuring about 145 feet (45 meters) at the center of the Palace. This projects up
from the rest of the roof-line of the palace like a tower of a Gothic cathedral.

However on top of it is a large dome, a very typical feature of Islamic/Persian style structures.
Further the cusped arches is also an character of Islamic architecture.


Pillars: As you move around in the ground floor of the palace , take a look at the pillars, the
squinch (where the pillar meets the ceiling ) and the domical ceiling above the verandah.
the capitals are beautifully carved with hard granite. This too is a present blend of native and
gothic styles.

Craftsmanship : One of the many features where the local traditions of craftsmanship is
shown at its best is in the woodwork. You can easily notice this in the massive doors carved
out of teak (yellow-brown) and rosewood (coffee colored).



Interiors:
Special Halls/Rooms:
Diwan-I am and Diwan-I Khas
:The two major halls are the
Diwan-i-am ( for public
gathering) and diwan-I-khas (
for private gathering ), which
are very well
decorated. Out of two the
diwan-i-khas is most intricately
designed. It has tinted glass
ceiling, which illuminates the
hall lavishly. This light play do
wonders on the otherwise
brightly painted pillared Durbar
Hall.
Diwan-I -Khas
Kalyan mantapa :The Kalyana
Mantapa or marriage hall is a
grand octagonal-shaped pavilion
with a multi-hued stained glass
ceiling with peacock motifs
arranged in geometrical
patterns. The floor of the
Mantapa continues the peacock
theme with a peacock mosaic,
designed with tiles from England.
Oil paintings, illustrating the
royal procession and Dasara
celebrations of bygone years,
make the walls more splendid. Kalyan Mantapa
On the floor , between the pillars are the embedded inlay work Pietra dura- that is popularly known
as Agra work. Various bright semiprecious stones are embedded on the marble flooring to create
interesting motifs.
Pillared Hall
Entrance gateway
One of the 12 temples
in the Palace complex
Octagonal Hall
Front Faade during Dussera
Photos: