INTRODUCTION:

Introducing you to the enchanting world of the Mysore Palace, a

captivating jewel nestled in the heart of Karnataka, India. With its resplendent
architecture and rich historical tapestry, the Mysore Palace stands as a testament
to the grandeur of India's royal past. In this report, we delve into the captivating
history, magnificent architecture, cultural significance, and enduring allure of
this iconic landmark. Join us on a journey through time as we unravel the
mysteries and marvels of the Mysore Palace.

The Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas

Palace, stands as a magnificent testament to the grandeur and rich cultural
heritage of Karnataka, India. Nestled amidst the historic city of Mysore, this
architectural marvel embodies a fusion of Indo-Saracenic, Rajput, Hindu,
Muslim, and Gothic styles, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped
its design over the centuries. Serving as the official residence of the Wadiyar
dynasty, the palace exudes opulence and regality, adorned with intricate
carvings, vibrant paintings, and ornate domes. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the
Mysore Palace holds profound historical significance, serving as a symbol of
Karnataka's royal legacy and enduring cultural legacy. As a beacon of
architectural excellence and historical preservation, the Mysore Palace
continues to captivate visitors from around the globe, offering a glimpse into
India's rich tapestry of heritage and tradition.

MYSORE PALACE

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HISOTRY AND BACKGROUND:

The Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas

Palace, is an architectural wonder nestled in the city of Mysore, Karnataka,
India. Its rich history and cultural significance stretch back centuries, making it
one of the most iconic landmarks in the country.

The origins of the Mysore Palace can be traced back to

the 14th century when the first structure on the site was built by the Yaduraya
Wadiyar, a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. However, the palace as it stands
today owes much of its grandeur to the Wadiyar dynasty, particularly to
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and his architect Henry Irwin, who
reconstructed the palace in its current form in the early 20th century.

The Mysore Palace stands as a symbol of the wealth and

power of the Wadiyar dynasty, which ruled the Kingdom of Mysore for over
six centuries. The dynasty played a significant role in shaping the cultural and
political landscape of Karnataka, and the palace served as the seat of their
power and authority.

The architectural style of the Mysore Palace is a blend of

Indo-Saracenic, Rajput, Hindu, Muslim, and Gothic influences, reflecting the
diverse cultural heritage of the region. The palace's design features intricately
carved arches, domes, and towers, adorned with vibrant paintings, stained
glass windows, and decorative motifs. Its sprawling complex encompasses
multiple courtyards, gardens, and pavilions, each showcasing the opulence
and grandeur of the Wadiyar dynasty.

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 Throughout its history, the Mysore Palace has
undergone several renovations and expansions, each adding to its splendor
and magnificence. However, the most significant transformation occurred in
the early 20th century under the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III.
Inspired by the grandeur of European palaces, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar
III commissioned the British architect Henry Irwin to redesign the palace in
the Indo-Saracenic style.

The old wooden

palace, which stood on the same site as the
current Mysore Palace, was destroyed in a
devastating fire on the fateful night of
February 24, 1897. The fire broke out due to
an electrical malfunction during a wedding
ceremony being held in the palace. Despite
efforts to contain the blaze, the wooden
structure was quickly engulfed in flames, WOODEN PALACE
resulting in its complete destruction.

The fire not only destroyed the physical structure of

the palace but also caused irreparable damage to its priceless artifacts,
paintings, and furnishings. The loss was deeply felt by the Wadiyar dynasty
and the people of Mysore, as the palace held immense historical, cultural, and
symbolic significance for the region.

The reconstruction of the palace began in 1897 and

was completed in 1912, resulting in the breathtaking structure that stands
today. Henry Irwin combined traditional Indian architectural elements with
European aesthetics, incorporating features such as cast iron pillars, ornate
ceilings, and stained glass windows. The result was a masterpiece of
architectural beauty that showcased the rich cultural heritage of India while
embracing modern design principles.

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 The Mysore Palace has not only served as a royal
residence but has also been a center of cultural and artistic patronage. The
Wadiyar dynasty were great patrons of the arts, and the palace was a hub of
creativity and innovation during their reign. It was home to renowned artists,
musicians, and scholars, who contributed to the vibrant cultural scene of
Mysore.

One of the
most iconic features of the Mysore
Palace is its illuminated facade,
which comes alive in the evenings
with thousands of lights, creating a
dazzling spectacle that attracts
visitors from around the world. The
palace is also home to a vast
collection of treasures, including
royal artifacts, paintings,
sculptures, and jewelry, which offer
a glimpse into the rich history and EVENING LIGHTING
heritage of the Wadiyar dynasty.

Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters

and political upheavals, the Mysore Palace has stood the test of time,
remaining a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for the people of
Karnataka. It continues to be a popular tourist destination, welcoming
millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its beauty and immerse
themselves in its rich history.

the Mysore Palace is more than just a magnificent

architectural marvel; it is a living testament to the rich cultural heritage and
storied history of Karnataka. From its humble beginnings as a royal residence
to its status as a global icon of Indian architecture, the palace has played a
central role in shaping the identity of Mysore and the broader region.

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THE ADMINISTRATION OF MYSORE UNDER WODEYARS

The administration of the Mysore Palace has evolved

significantly since its inception, reflecting changes in governance, technology,
and cultural practices over the centuries. From its humble beginnings as a royal
residence to its current status as a popular tourist attraction, the management of
the palace has undergone numerous transformations to meet the demands of a
modern society while preserving its historical and cultural significance.

 Early Administration (14th - 18th century):

In the early days of the Mysore Palace, administration was

primarily focused on meeting the needs of the royal family and their courtiers.
The palace served as the seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of
Mysore from the 14th to the 18th century. During this period, administration
was centralized around the royal court, with the Maharaja and his ministers
overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the palace.

The administration of the palace encompassed a wide range of

responsibilities, including managing the royal household, overseeing the
collection of taxes and revenue, maintaining law and order, and patronizing the
arts and culture. A hierarchy of officials, including ministers, bureaucrats, and
courtiers, assisted the Maharaja in governing the palace and its surrounding
territories.

The palace complex itself was divided into various

departments, each responsible for specific functions such as agriculture, finance,
defense, and religious affairs. Skilled artisans and craftsmen were employed to
maintain the palace's infrastructure, including its buildings, gardens, and water
systems.

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 Colonial Influence (18th - 19th century):

The arrival of European powers in India, particularly the

British East India Company, brought significant changes to the administration of
the Mysore Palace. Following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-
Mysore War (1799), the British installed a puppet ruler from the Wadiyar
dynasty, marking the beginning of indirect British rule in Mysore.

Under British suzerainty, the administration of the Mysore

Palace was heavily influenced by colonial policies and practices. The British
Resident, appointed by the East India Company, acted as the de facto ruler of
Mysore and exerted considerable influence over the affairs of the palace. While
the Wadiyar Maharajas retained their titular status, real power lay in the hands
of the British authorities.

The administration of the palace became more structured

and bureaucratic during this period, with the introduction of modern
administrative practices such as revenue collection, judicial reform, and
infrastructure development. British officials worked closely with local
administrators to modernize the governance systems of Mysore, including the
administration of the palace.

 Modernization and Reconstruction (Late 19th - Early 20th century):

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a period

of modernization and reconstruction at the Mysore Palace, under the patronage
of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. Inspired by the grandeur of European
palaces, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV embarked on a ambitious project to
rebuild the palace in a more magnificent and contemporary style.

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 The reconstruction of the Mysore Palace began in
1897 under the supervision of the British architect Henry Irwin, who
combined traditional Indian architectural elements with European aesthetics
to create the iconic structure that stands today. The new palace was designed
to reflect the Maharaja's vision of a modern and progressive Mysore, while
also celebrating its rich cultural heritage.

Alongside the architectural changes, the

administration of the palace underwent a transformation to accommodate its
expanding role as a symbol of royal authority and cultural patronage. New
departments and offices were established to manage the palace's affairs,
including tourism, conservation, and heritage preservation. Skilled
professionals, including architects, historians, and curators, were employed to
oversee these activities and ensure the palace's continued relevance in the
modern era.

 Post-Independence Era (20th century - Present):

With the independence of India in 1947 and the

subsequent integration of princely states into the Indian Union, the
administration of the Mysore Palace underwent further changes to adapt to
the new political and social landscape. The Wadiyar dynasty lost its ruling
authority, and the palace was designated as a heritage site under the
jurisdiction of the Government of Karnataka.

Today, the administration of the Mysore Palace is

overseen by the Mysore Palace Board, a government body tasked with the
preservation, maintenance, and promotion of the palace as a cultural
landmark. The board comprises officials from various government
departments, as well as representatives from the local community and
heritage organizations.

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 The administration of the palace encompasses a wide
range of activities, including conservation of its architectural heritage,
management of visitor services, promotion of tourism, and cultural
programming. A dedicated team of professionals, including historians, architects,
curators, and administrative staff, work together to ensure the smooth
functioning of the palace and its facilities.

The Mysore Palace continues to attract millions of visitors

each year, both domestic and international, who come to marvel at its beauty
and immerse themselves in its rich history and culture. The administration of the
palace plays a crucial role in preserving its legacy for future generations, while
also adapting to the changing needs and expectations of modern society.
Through its efforts, the Mysore Palace remains a symbol of Karnataka's royal
heritage and enduring cultural legacy.

IMAGE OF PUBLIC DARBAR HALL

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SPECIAL ACHIVEMENTS DURING THIS PERIOD:

 THE PERIOD OF DIWANS:

The period of Dewans’ administration (1881 - 1947) after the

Rendition in the former princely state of Mysore has many lessons to teach. It is
the story of a medieval State transforming itself into a modern one, opening its
doors to modern, liberal and also democratic ideas and making efforts to
welcome economic changes brought about by the efforts of farsighted statesmen.
The people too were equally enlightened to usher in modern ideas, though
slowly.

The Rendition laid down that the Maharaja was to rule with a Council
he a d e d by th e De w a n an d tw o me m b e r s Th e ea r l i e r De w a n s li k e
Rangacharlu and K.Sheshadri Iyer, were from Madras Presidency service,
known for their loyalty to the British and also for their administrative talents.
To guide and check them the British Resident was appointed and later they
appointed a British Private Secretary to the Maharaja to regulate his thoughts.
The Maharajas were loyal to the British. They had secured the throne with the
grace of the British after the fall of Tipu. Though Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was
freed from administrative responsibilities in 1831, he remained loyal to the
British overlords and tried his level best, using all means, to get the throne
back to his family. Even during the 1857-58 uprising, he stood like a rock in
his loyalty to the British. There were rumours that there had been efforts to
woo him to the cause of the Uprising, but he did not move even a finger to
support the cause of the anti-British forces.

A majority of the Dewans who came to power had the most modern minds.They
wanted to industrialize the kingdom, as no country could progress depending
only on agriculture. This was because a major part of the Mysore plateau is in a
rain shadow area, and failed monsoons could cause droughtand famine. The
worst famine was evidenced in 1876-78, killing nearly nine lakh people in the
State. If that was the worst famine, smaller such famines haunted some regions
of the State frequently causing hunger, death, misery and loss of revenue,
making it difficult to meet the expenses of running the administration.

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 Suspension of agriculture due to famine left thousands
unemployed, and this unemployed workforce was utilised to desilt and improve
tanks; lay or improve roads, and more importantly for the construction of
railways. The Bangalore-Mysore Railway was the ‘legacy’ of the 1876-78
famine.

Irrigation works were

undertaken to end much dependence on the
rains. Gold mining at KGF by European
miners proved to be a boon in more ways
than one. It not only brought royalty to the
State, but also the required electric power
for production with cheaply generated
hydro-electricity. This was the first major
initiative. To supply the increased demand
of power to the gold mines, the unique K.R. Sagar Dam was raised. It not only
K R S DAM
supplied
power but also made the Southern Districts of
Mandya and Mysore bloomed with greenery.
The sugar industry was also started and the demand
for more power was met by undertaking the Shimsha power project.

Power also brought industries.

Bangalore secured Electrical power in 1905 and
not only did old industries benefit from it, but new
industries were also started. It also brought Indian
Institute of Science to Bangalore, as power was
available in plenty. The Institute’s capacity for
scientific research helped the sugar, sandal oil, soap
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
and several other industries where the technology
was once out of reach of Mysore.

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 Literacy and spread of education was found to be absolutely necessary
to open the minds of people to new ideas and modern techniques and the
Dewans strived to open not only schools which taught the 3R’s, but technical
schools which taught them new skills by strengthening their capacity to work
with their hands.New techniques in agriculture, animal husbandry, sericulture,
horticulture, floriculture - every branch which can add one more arrow to the
bows of agriculturists and diversify their crops and productive talents were
popularized through trainingcenters and other means of disseminating new
knowledge and methods. Schools with units to teach sericulture were set up to
impart technical training.

The Mysore University was founded,

despite opposition from the Madras
University,[Including maharajas
college and yuvaraja college] and
grew to be a great center of learning.
The College of Agricultural Sciences
the Engineering College, the
Veterinary College, all helped the
potential in their respective fields to bloom.

Luckily for Mysore, the Dewans had a modern

outlook. To develop the State Though Sir M.Visvesvaraya started this, Sir
Mirza used it on a broader scale with over a dozen enterprises.This atmosphere
of technical excellence, infrastructure and government’s enthusiasm over
industrialization was inherited by the Mysore Government even after
Independence and many Central Government industries like HMT, ITI, BEL,
BEML, BHEL, and other such ventures made their way to Bangalore and
Karnataka.

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READ ALSO:

The Wodeyars were renowned patrons of art and architecture, and

their reign witnessed the flourishing of cultural activities in Mysore. One of
their most notable achievements in this field is the construction of the Mysore
Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace. This magnificent structure is a
symbol of Mysore's architectural brilliance and cultural heritage.

Apart from the Mysore Palace, the Wodeyars commissioned the

construction of numerous other palaces, temples, and monuments across the
region. Some notable examples include the Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal
Palace, and the Chamundi Hill Temple. The Wodeyars also supported the
development of traditional arts and crafts in Mysore. This support helped
preserve and promote Mysore's rich artistic heritage, ensuring that these
traditions continued to thrive under their rule.

CONCLUSION:

Under the Wodeyar rule, Mysore witnessed significant

advancements in administration, with the establishment of efficient governance
structures and systems. One of their key achievements in this regard was the
introduction of a systematic revenue administration system. The Wodeyars
implemented land revenue reforms aimed at ensuring equitable taxation and
maximizing revenue collection for the state.

Additionally, the Wodeyars focused on strengthening the judicial

system in Mysore. They established courts of law to administer justice and
resolve disputes fairly and efficiently. This helped in maintaining law and order
and ensuring the rule of law across the region.

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 Furthermore, the Wodeyars took steps to promote social welfare
and upliftment. They initiated various welfare measures for the welfare of their
subjects, including the provision of relief during times of famine and natural
disasters. The establishment of charitable institutions and endowments for the
support of education and healthcare also reflected their commitment to the well-
being of the people.

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF MYSORE PALACE BOARD

THE ABOVE PICTUTRE IS A GROUP POHOTON OF THE STUDENTS OF

MAHARAJAS’S COLLEGE MYSORE WHO BELONGS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION STUDING IN FINAL YEAR BA [6th SEMISTER] VISITED
TO THE MYSORE PALACE ON A INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME UNDER THE
MENTORSHIP OF NIVEDITA V [LECTURER]…….
THE LIST OF STUDENTS INCLUDE:
TOUFIQAHMED AKHALAKALI KEMBHAVI,BHAGAVAN
PULE,KARTIK S,SHAIK MOHAMMAD FAIZ,DHANAYAT S, PRUTVI D
N, RAKESH R, ABHISHEK S,DARSHAN S,AJAY D.

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