Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is designed based on classic European architecture and spread over 12,40,771 Sq. feet with 400 rooms, gold embellishments, and a giant library with 5000 books. It’s based on Tuscan, Italian, and Corinthian styles and belongs to the House of Scindia from the Hindu Maratha Dynasty. This three-story building is now the residence of Scindia family. So, let’s take a look at some lesser-known facts of Jyotiaditya Scindia's Rs. 4000 crore Jai Vilas Palace.
- This palace was built in the 19th century. Now, this royal palace is inherited by Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, grandson of Jivajirao Scindia. Currently, he is also an active member of Indian politics.
- Jai Vilas Palace was built to welcome Prince George and Princess Mary of Wales as they came to visit India in the year 1876.
- This palace represents the features of different designs and styles – the first floor is designed in a Tuscan style, the second features an Italian-Doric aesthetic, and the third floor is inspired by the Corinthian and Palladian design.
- To estimate the strength of the roof in order to hang two huge chandeliers with 250 bulbs, 8 elephants were suspended from the ceiling of the Darbar room of the palace.
- Jai Vilas Palace hall is inspired by Neoclassical and Baroque styles and embellished with 560 kg of gold. This is where the king used to hold his meetings.
- The palace was built in 1874, under the patronage of Maharaja Rao Scindia and designed by British Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Michael Filose. According to a media report, its initial value was Rs. 1 crore, which is worth over Rs 4000 crores today.
- There is a model train made of silver at the dining table of the palace which was used to carry brandy and cigars to the guests back then.
- The palace has 400 rooms, out of which, 35 have been converted into a museum wing. Rajmata Shrimant Vijayaraje Scindia made the H.H Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia Museum in memory of Srimant Jiwajirao Scindia. It showcases valuable assets of the Maratha Scindia Dynasty like the silver chariot, palanquins, silver buggy, vintage luxury cars, etc. This also exhibits the original shield of Jhansi Ki Rani and the swords from the reign of Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.
- Jai Vilas Palace has an extensive library that stores almost 5000 books on different genres. There is also the Chitrangada Raje Art Gallery where new artists and craftsmen can showcase their work to international audiences.
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