By: Vijay Kumar Verma, Editor-ICN Group
MYSORE: Gliding on the velvet floor and clicking pics of the arrays of pillars as I stepped ahead, I realised that I was just close to the exit gate. Not feeling like stepping out I gave another deeper glance at the colourful carvings on pillars as if trying to register its beauty in my eyes, I finally stepped out on the raw floor which reminded me that all the time I had been moving barefoot. I therefore headed for the shoe collection counters.
“Wait to Exit” was a board displayed at this place which I realised must have been mis- spelt for Way. A little further was a counter selling tickets for the “Royal Residences ” entry @Rs.45 per person.I realised that most of the visitors were perhaps not interested to venture into this section and were heading out. Again at the entrance I was required to take off my shoes. A guide at the door offered to explain me the interiors which I readily accepted. A part of the story I have related above was drawn from his commentary.
This part of the palace, in wood, had survived the fire way back in 1887. The building therefore must have been pretty old. In comparison to the Palace it was no better than a haveli. Here I did come across cautions against taking photo and videos of the exhibits.
Primary this section is a museum of paraphernalia used by the erstwhile kings. The palkis for kings and Queens amusingly compared to today’s motor cars by the guide, the collection of musical instruments, furniture, paintings, and some invaluable artefacts. I was specifically shown a 3 D painting of a king astride a horse. As I started looking towards it from one corner to the other, I found that the horse as well as the king were facing me as if changing position with my move. Splendid work of art I realised.
Inside was a family durbar where king and his wives and other courtesans would assemble for internal programmes. But from the size of balconies and doors I felt that the height of the royal dynasty was average unlike the tall warriors of Rajasthan.This was again confirmed as I stepped into the armoury where swords and spears are exhibited.The medium sizes of swords perplexed me. There is also a collection of rifles and guns but these are not very appealing. In just half an hour I was out of this section to step back on the same lane where I had left my shoes. Across the gate there are camel rides available for the visitors and then a number of shops offering eatables and drinks to the weary visitors.
But my attention was drawn by a beautiful temple with typical southern India’s Carvings on the huge entrance gate. Inside were age old deities of Gods and goddesses where people, mostly locals were offering prayers.The Palace complex I was told has a number of such temples raised by the kings. Paying my respects to the gods I came out and my watch reminded me that I needed to rush for catching a train to Bengaluru in another one hour. And hence I hurried out of the palace giving it a last look before taking the cab.
Concluded……
