INDIA: Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace, in Southern India, is one of India’s most opulent royal residences.

It had been the seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, which ruled the Kingdom of Mysore, for centuries.

The original palace dates back to the 14th century, but, it was rebuilt between 1897 and 1912 after the original wooden structure was destroyed in a fire.

It has an area of 25 acres and the main building covers one-and-a-half acres. There are 340 rooms, halls, and corridors.

With that many rooms, it could be a great place to collect decorating ideas.

 

The palace is surrounded by dramatic gardens.

After the fire in the 1890's the new palace was designed by a British architect. He blended a combination of architectural styles of Indo-Saracenic, Hindu, Mughal and Gothic architecture, giving it a unique appearance.

Since I don’t remember learning anything about “Indo-Saracenic” architecture in school (another educational shortcoming), I looked it up and found this explanation: 

“European architects’ idea of what an Indian palace should look like” (direct quote.) 

I found that interesting, for various reasons.

 

 

  

Inside the palace the architectural combinations are also evident.

 

 

I loved this ceiling with peacock-themed stained glass windows. Interestingly, the glasswork was crafted in Scotland, which adds to the palace’s blend of Indian and European artistic influences.

 As pretty as the peacock ceiling may be, John does not need to worry that I might want to replicate it in our future home.

 My tastes run a bit more modestly.