MYSORE

Mysore city was the  capital of the Wodeyar dynasty that ruled the state of Mysore  (Karnataka)  for over 5 centuries, from 1399 AD  until 1947 AD, when India got  independence  from the British. These kings were great patrons of art, education  and culture and Mysore was the cultural capital of  south India under Wodeyars. The prestigeous University of Mysore -  which is more than a century old as of 2003 -  stands as testimony to the  wisdom and vision of  Wodeyars. 

These benevolent rulers made the Navaratri (Dasara)  festival an event to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the city. Even now, Dasara celebration  during the month of Oct/ Nov and lasting 10 days,  is a spectacular event to watch. Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains  old world charm with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance. 

Mysore city has a special place in the Gadasalli family history due to the fact that it was the place of birth of  Nagamma wife of Gadasalli Nagappa I,  Subbalakshamma wife of  Gadasalli Subramanya, Nagaraj Gadasalli and Rangaesh Gadasalli the sons of Subramanya and Subbalakshamma. Nagamma's  siblings and other relatives were associated with the Mysore royal family as Administrators, Ayurvedic doctors and  so forth. Subbalakshamma's father Jawahiri Venkatanaranappa was a Diamond merchant.

A view of the Mysore palace at night

Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms. The walls of the palace are painted with pictures of the Dasara processions  in such a manner that from any angle you can see the procession coming towards you. The royal throne of the Wodeyars is displayed during the Dasara festival.

The palace has now been converted into a museum, which treasures the souvenirs, paintings, jewelry, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It is said that the palace displays the largest collection of gold items, quantity wise. The Durbar (public audience) hall of the palace has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars  said to have been painted with gold. The palace was originally built of wood, which got burnt down in 1897 AD and was rebuilt in 1912 AD. This profusely decorated and gilded palace is illuminated on all  Sundays and  holidays.