Did you know that the Bangalore Palace, modelled on Windsor Castle of England, complete with fortified towers and turreted parapets, was built in the year 1887 exclusively for HH Chamaraja Wadiyar X of Mysore Kingdom, is an epitome of the majestic beauty?
The Bangalore Palace, in Bangalore City (now Bengaluru), a regal architectural masterpiece modelled on the desing of Windsor Castle in England, was initially planned on a 454 acre tract of land in 1865 by Rev. J. Garrett, the first principal of the Central High School in Bangalore (now famous as Central College). At that stage, in 1873, the land with its partially built structures was bought over from Garrett for Rs 40,000 for the exclusive use of H.H. the Chamarajendra Wadiyar X of Mysore Kingdom for his studies and training as he was then a minor 10 years old. Then, the Palace building activity was vigorusly pursued from 1881 and completed with its fortified towers and turreted parapets in the year 1887 at a cost of Rs 1 lakh, under the able guidance of the Wadiyar King himself.
The Palace, when completed as a blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture, covered a built-in area of 45,000 sq ft with an elegant double storied stone ediffice set on a raisng ground, largely constructed by wood, with 34 rooms, curving and richly carved staicase, lavishly furnished and decorated durbar hall, living rooms, court yards with lofty and well-lighted by bay-windows, swimming pool, and all set in a sprawling lush green extensive park or garden with fountains and trees in the front. A large semicircular bay crowned by a cast-iron verandah decorates the frontage. The design and construction are modern, as also the furniture and hangings. The interiors are decorated with elegant wood carvings, floral motifs, cornices and relief paintings on the ceiling. The furniture is neo-classical, Victorian and Edwardian in style. An exquisite door panel at the entrance leads to grand settings inside.
Over the years, the large open land area of 454 acres of the palace grounds was substantially sliced when settlements came post-Independence of India in 1947 when the posh upsacle areas of Upper and Lower palace Orchards were formed out of the grounds.
However, between 1970 and 1997, the palace went into legal dispute during the times of the Maharaja of Mysore HH Jayachamrajendra Wadiyar and his son the Srikantta Dutta Wadiyar. During this period, the palace was in disuse. In 1997, it came under the control of Maharaja Srikantta Dutta Wadiyar and was his residence. Since then the palace has been restored to its old grandeur under the able control of HH Pramoda Devi Wadiyar. It has since been a popular venue for holding functions and exhibitions. Also a venue for several movies and TV serials, Also has been host to several musical concerts across the globe like Brayn Adams and Iron Maiden. In 2007 it was overrun by 25,000 metal heads bellowing the" The Number of the Beast" at February Rock's in India festival. It is also known for hosting temporary replicas of Taj Mahal, and Buckingham Palace during exbihitons.
The vine covered walls of the palace gardens offer an unobstructed view of the façade of the palace. Some of the most ntoable features in the palace are: a) the first hall room at the entranc which is gorgeous with a high wooden ceiling; b)numerous photographs of the past rulers mounted on the wall as one goes up the ornate staircase made of wood; c) the Durbar Hall with a high ceiling, beautiful white arches, chandeliers and period furniture with a glimpse of the coat of arms which was awarded to the Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X by the British ; d) the courtyard with fountain and two ornamented tiled benches, decorated with beautiful Italian tiles gifted by the King of Spain following his visit to the palace;, e) many elephant and animal trophies; and f) many renowned 19th and 20th century paintings, including those by Raja Ravi Varma, one of India’s most famous painters; but such conceerts have since been banned at this premises,
The palace when lighted up at night presents an especially enchanting appearance. Another attraction here is an amusement park with various joy rides, water park and snow room. It is open to the public who come to witness the lavish and elegant splendour of one of South India’s most enduring Wadiyar dynasty.
The palace located in commonly known Palace Grounds on Jaymahal Road in Bangalore city is 4 km away from the Bangalore City Railway station and 25.7 km from Bengaluru International Airport.
Narasipur Char
