Karnataka > Mysore > Mysore Palace
The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in heart of the the Mysore City of Karnataka state in India. A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with ninety seven thousand bulbs shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduring images of the city. An eclectic synthesis of architectural styles the palace is one of India's most dramatic national monuments. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore.
Of the Museums in the state, for art lovers, Jaganmohan Art Gallery housed in an old gorgeous palace of Mysore is a must. There are not only fine art works (including some by Raja Ravi Varma) in colours, metals, ivory and wood but a huge collection of musical instruments too of yore. The Mysore Palace proper has a large collection of art works from various countries, besides a gallery of armoury of olden days including a sword that can be worn round the waist like a belt. Brief History
Mysore city was the capital of the former royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to 'Mahishasurana Ooru', which means the town of Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology Mahishasura was a demon king who was killed by the warrior goddess Chamundeshwari on Chamundi hill near Mysore. Ever since, the people of Mysore have worshipped Chamundeshwari as their tutelary deity.
The Wadiyar royal family ruled Mysore since the 14th century except for a short period of 40 years in the 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Hyder Ali was a general in the army of the Wadiyar king who rose to become the ruler of Mysore. His son Tipu Sultan followed in his footsteps expanding Mysore's territories in a series of daring battles, until he was killed when fighting the British.
Following his death in 1799 the kingdom again returned to the Wadiyar family who ruled Mysore till monarchy was abolished in 1947, when India gained independence.  
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