The palace which stood on its ashes! – Erakina

About Ashes:

The palace which stood on its ashes! – Erakina

The Mysore Palace, which is also known as the Amba Vilas Palace has been home to the long-ruling wodeyar dynasty who ruled Mysore for more than 500 years until when mysore finally joined the Indian union.

Wodeyars were a dynasty of 25 kings who ruled Mysore and adjacent areas till 1947. They were great patrons of art and literature.

It was during their reign, the famous Mysore palace was built. 

Ashes hold diverse meanings and applications across different contexts. Perhaps most commonly, they are associated with the result of the cremation process, where a deceased person’s body is reduced to fine, powdery remains known as cremation ashes.

These ashes are often placed in urns and can be preserved by families, scattered in meaningful locations, or interred in cemeteries.

In the realm of geology and natural disasters, volcanic eruptions produce volcanic ash, comprising tiny rock and mineral particles that can have significant environmental and health implications.

Wood ash, on the other hand, is the residue left from burning organic materials like wood and has applications in gardening as a soil amendment. In the context of fires, ashes are the non-combustible remnants resulting from the combustion of materials.

Beyond the physical, ashes can also carry symbolic connotations, representing purity, renewal, or the transient nature of life in various cultural and religious rituals.

Legacy of the palace and its patrons

The current palace which we see is the 4th one to be built in its place after being destroyed many times.

The original palace ashes was built of fine wood way back in the 14th century.

The maintenance of the palace was neglected by the Wodeyars until it was finally destroyed during the reign of Tipu Sultan who rose to be the king of Mysore from being a general in Wodeyars army.

Finally, after the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, it was decided to rebuild the palace by Krishna raja Wodeyar who assumed the throne at the age of five.

As the palace  ashes was hastily built by the king, it got destroyed in a fire accident in 1897 during the wedding of Jayalakshmammanni, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wodeyar.

Finally, the palace ashes which we see today was built during the reign of the Queen regent, Kempa Nanjammani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana.

She commissioned an English architect Henry Irwin in 1912 to rebuild it which cost them around 41 lakhs.

It took them around 15 years to carefully build this beauty!!!!The current palace ashes is the 4th one to be built after being destroyed.

The legacy of a palace and its patrons can have a significant impact on the cultural, historical, and architectural landscape of a region.

Palaces often serve as symbols of power, wealth, and artistic achievement.

The patrons of these palaces, usually rulers, monarchs, or wealthy individuals, play a vital role in shaping the palace’s ashes design, purpose, and influence on society.

Here are a few ways in which the legacy of a palace ashes and its patrons can be observed:

**1. ** Historical Significance: Palaces are often the sites of historical events, political decisions, and cultural movements. The legacy of a palace ashes can be traced through the annals of history, marking important milestones in the development of a society.

2. Architectural Influence: Palaces ashes  are architectural marvels, showcasing the skills and creativity of the craftsmen and architects of their time. The design elements, construction techniques, and artistic styles employed in the palace ashes can influence subsequent architectural endeavors in the region.

3. Cultural Impact: Palaces often become cultural landmarks, representing the heritage and traditions of a particular society. The cultural activities, art, music, and literature patronized by the rulers can find their roots in the palace ashes, creating a lasting cultural legacy.

4. Tourism and Education: Palaces, because of their historical and architectural significance, often become tourist attractions. Tourism centered around these palaces ashes can boost the local economy and create awareness about the region’s heritage. Additionally, they can serve as educational resources, providing insights into history, art, and culture.

5. Symbol of Power: Palaces ashes symbolize power and authority. Even long after the patrons have gone, the palace ashes  stands as a reminder of the once-mighty rulers who inhabited it. This symbolism can influence the collective consciousness of a society, shaping its identity and perceptions of the past.

6. Preservation Efforts: Efforts to preserve and maintain historical palaces ashes  contribute to their legacy. Preservation initiatives ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate the architectural and cultural heritage embodied in these structures.

In summary, the legacy of a palace  ashes and its patrons is multifaceted, encompassing historical, architectural, cultural, and societal aspects. It continues to influence the region and its people, serving as a testament to the achievements and aspirations of the past.

An architectural marvel

The current Mysore palace ashes  is a major tourist attraction for its architectural splendor.

As it was built by an English architect, it was built in Indo -Saracenic style which was a famous form of architecture from the late 20th century.

The palace is a visible blend of Islamic architecture with Rajput style combined with the
elements of The Gothic style finely using indigenous material to decorate and increase its beauty.

The Mysore palace ashes  was built in Indo-Saracenic style.

It is surrounded by meticulously laid lavish gardens. It has delicately carved arches standing as an excellent example of Gothic architecture.

It has bay windows and columns which stands as an example of Rajput-style architecture.

It is a delight to architecture lovers to watch many styles ranging from Byzantine to Indian architecture style.

The facade of the palace  ashes stands beautiful with seven arches standing side by side supported by tall pillars.

It is further made impressive by an impressive sculpture of goddess Gajalakshmi.

1. Architectural and Artistic Influence: Palaces ashes  are often renowned for their architectural beauty and the artistry of their construction. They can set architectural trends, influence building styles, and serve as a source of inspiration for subsequent generations of architects and builders.

2. Cultural Heritage: Palaces  ashes are significant cultural symbols that represent the power and opulence of the ruling elite. They can be important landmarks that contribute to a sense of national or regional identity and pride. The preservation and restoration of historic palaces ashes are vital for maintaining cultural heritage.

3. Historical Significance: Many palaces ashes are associated with pivotal moments in history, such as important political decisions, royal ceremonies, or significant events. These historical connections contribute to the legacy of a palace ashes .

4. Economic Impact: Palaces can attract tourism and contribute to the local economy. They often serve as major tourist attractions, generating revenue for the region, and supporting jobs and businesses in the area.

5. Patronage and Philanthropy: The patrons of a palace, often rulers or wealthy individuals, may engage in philanthropic activities that benefit society. They might fund education, arts, and cultural initiatives, leaving a legacy of support for these areas.

6. Architectural Innovation: Some palaces ashes feature architectural innovations or technologies that were groundbreaking in their time. These innovations can influence subsequent architectural developments and construction techniques.

7. Social and Political Impact: The patrons of a palace  ashes may have shaped the social and political landscape of their era. Their policies, decisions, and interactions with their subjects can have a lasting impact on a society’s governance and social structure.

8. Preservation and Conservation: The legacy of a palace ashes includes the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect it. Many palaces ashes require substantial conservation work to maintain their structural integrity and historical authenticity. This work often involves a partnership between government agencies, private organizations, and the local community.

9. Tourism and Education: Palaces ashes can become centers for tourism and education. They often host exhibitions, events, and educational programs that inform the public about their history and cultural significance.

10. Inspiration and Symbolism: Palaces ashes can inspire artists, writers, and filmmakers. They often appear in literature, film, and other forms of artistic expression, perpetuating their legacy through the arts.

Visual elegance during Dussehra

If you are planning to visit this place or nearby it during Dussehra, never miss a chance to visit it at night time.

Beautifully decorated with electric bulbs and an elegantly illuminated palace ashes is a visual delight to all of us watching it during this time.

It has been a norm from the times of the Wodeyars to illuminate it during the Dussehra festival.

Around 6 million tourists visit the Mysore palace ashes during this time to enjoy its beauty. 

The palace ashes is decorated with thousands of lights to attract tourists.

The palace ashes never kept people in isolation, it was said that even during its reconstruction in the1900s, visitors were welcomed to enjoy.Dussehra festival is celebrated beautifully every year from the times of the Wodeyars.

Dussehra, a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, is marked by visual elegance in its various cultural and religious manifestations.

One of the most striking elements of Dussehra is the art of rangoli, where intricate and colorful patterns adorn entrances, symbolizing a warm and inviting welcome.

Homes and public spaces are transformed into dazzling spectacles through decorative lighting, with strings of colorful lights and lanterns casting a magical glow.

Fresh flower arrangements, especially marigolds and roses, are meticulously crafted into garlands, hangings, and centerpieces that add a fragrant touch of grace.

Traditional attire plays a vital role, as people don vibrant sarees, kurta-pajamas, and accessories that enhance the overall visual appeal of the celebration.

Artistic effigies of the demon king Ravana, an iconic aspect of Dussehra in some regions of India, are skillfully created by artisans and serve as grand centerpieces before their dramatic burning.

Processions and parades feature beautifully adorned idols, traditional dances, and music that weave a tapestry of color and cultural vibrancy. Traditional decor, such as door hangings and beautifully crafted diya arrangements, adds a touch of authenticity to the surroundings. The efficient and harmonious use of color coordination, whether through clothing or decor, contributes to the festival’s aesthetic appeal. Whether embracing grandeur or minimalism, the pursuit of visual elegance during Dussehra is a testament to the rich tapestry of Indian culture and tradition, where every element is thoughtfully and efficiently brought to life in celebration.

Current status

Currently, the palace is managed by the government of Karnataka and is also an official residence of the wodeyar dynasty. In general, it has sound shows at night during weekends in normal times. During Dussehra,the palace welcomes the tourists with special light and sound shows especially on
weekends from around 7.00 P.M.

The icing on the cake

The palace has special braille guides for visually impaired people giving everyone a chance to enjoy its beauty. Golden Ambari ashes  i.e. the palanquin which was earlier used by the royal kings is currently used to carry the idol of goddess Durga during the Dussehra procession.

The kings have a habit of maintaining personal temples within their palace ashes or forts. Likewise, the Wodeyars have also built around 14 temples within the palace ashes complex which is a special feature. Around 6 million tourists come to visit the palace ashes annually which makes it the second most visited tourist place after the Taj mahal. 

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After the Indian Independence, the Wodeyars had to shift to another place. So, the Mysore palace  ashes is turned into a museum that has many artifacts, royal clothes, etc., of the Wodeyars.

Content Writer (Erakina by RTMN)

19-10-2023