Spread over 12,40,771 square feet, the Jai Vilas Palace is a three-story building and is the current residence of the Scindia family.
Situated smack in the heart of Madhya Pradesh's royal city Gwalior, the Jai Vilas Palace is an ode classic European architecture. The royal palace has a design influenced by Tuscan, Italian, and Corinthian styles. The place belongs to the House of Scindia (Hindu Maratha dynasty) that once ruled in Gwalior. Spread over 12,40,771 square feet, the palace is a three-story building and is the current residence of the Scindia family.
Along with its grand appearance, the Jai Vilas Palace has a royal history too. Let us take a look at some lesser-known facts about Jyotiaditya Scindia's Rs 4000 crores Jai Vilas Palace.
1. Jai Vilas Palace: Inherited by Jyotiraditya Scindia
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The Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior was built in the 19th century. The royal palace is home to and inherited by Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, grandson of Jivajirao Scindia. Born into the former Gwalior princely dynasty, Scindia is also an active member of Indian politics.
2. Jai Vilas Palace: Why was it built?
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The majestic palace was built to welcome Prince George and Princess Mary of Wales who visited India in 1876, as per Outlook India.
3. Jai Vilas Palace: Eight elephants were suspended from the ceiling
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Jai Vilas Palace is built keeping different themes in mind. The first floor of the palace is Tuscan, the second - Italian-Doric, and the third is inspired by Corinthian and Palladian design. According to the Incredible India Tourism information, when the palace was being built, eight elephants were suspended from the ceiling of the Durbar hall to estimate if the roof was strong enough to take the weight of two gigantic chandeliers - 12.5m high, weighing 3500 kg and donning 250 bulbs.
4. Jai Vilas Palace: 560 kg Gold
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As per a report in Outlook India, the interior of the Jai Vilas Palace hall is embellished with 560kg of gold. The design of the hall is influenced by the Neoclassical and the Baroque styles and where the king used to hold his meetings.
5. Jai Vilas Palace: Worth Rs 4000 crore
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The foundation of Jai Vilas Palace was laid in 1874 under the patronage of Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia. The palatial mansion was designed by British Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Michael Filose. According to reports in Business Insider, the palace that valued at Rs 1 crore back then, is worth over Rs 4000 crore today.
6. Jai Vilas Palace: Unique silver model train
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The royal Jai Vilas Palace has a model train made of solid silver at the dining table. The vessel ride was used for carrying brandy and cigars for the guests.
7. Jai Vilas Palace: Rare and historic royal collection in the museum
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The Jai Vilas Palace has 400 rooms in it. Out of these, 35 have been converted into a museum wing. The H.H Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia Museum was made by Rajmata Shrimant Vijayaraje Scindia, in the memory of Srimant Jiwajirao Scindia. The museum displays the Maratha Scindia Dynasty's collection that consists of expensive assets like a silver chariot, palanquins, silver buggy, vintage luxury cars. It also houses the original shield of Jhansi Ki Rani and swords from the reign of Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.
8. Jai Vilas Palace: Extensive library and art gallery
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The Jai Vilas Palace has an extensive library that has around 5000 books on various genres. It also has the Chitrangada Raje Art Gallery, a perfect place for upcoming artists, and craftsmen of the country to present their work to international audiences.
(All photos via Instagram)
