While the state government is still chalking out plans to celebrate the centenary year of Mysore Palace, Ramsons Kala Prathishtana on Sunday brought out a journal titled ‘Mysore Palace’, chronicling the history connected with the architectural marvel.
The journal that runs over 100 pages is a compilation of black and white photographs that tell the good old history of Yadu dynasty, mostly centering around the palaces — from the earlier wooden made to the later and now existing cement made structure.
Giving a power-point-presentation on the journal, R G Singh, secretary of the prathishtana and the brain behind the concept, began with a clarification that Amba Vilas Palace completes 100 years in 2012.
Modern Mysore
Saying that there is also another version on palace completing its centenary year in 2007 according to the formal grihapravesha (house warming ceremony) conducted way back in 1907, R G Singh asserted that ‘Modern Mysore’ a book published in 1936 under the supervision of the then Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and now in the custody of Ambedkar Open University in Hyderabad, the work on the new palace was finally completed in 1912.
A photograph of Atmavilasa Gangapati, the only remaining idol when the wooden palace was destroyed in a fire mishap forms the first page, followed by rare photographs of the city within the fort, reflection of the palace in pristine waters of Devaraya Sagara (Doddakere), a group of workers involved in the interior designs of the palace posing for a photo, work underway at Durbar Hall, Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar seated in front of the palace with a huge curtain draped on the palace facade denoting that the work is still underway among others make it a worthy pick.
Burning palace
Rarest among the photos here is that of the picture of burning palace, though not clear, it’s suffice to understand the people with tension writ large on their faces assembled in front of the palace. The other photographs that arose equal curiosity is that of the view of the palace from the terrace of Jagan Mohan Palace. What makes another equally interesting story here is the garden in front of Jagan Mohan Palace. It is on the same garden that the current auditorium attached to Jagan Mohan Palace stands. It was built to celebrate the wedding of Nalwadi.
R G Singh announced that the journal is dedicated to Maharani Lakshammanni, mother of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, and Maharani Kempananjammanni also popular as Vani Vilasa Sannidhana and mother of Nalwadi.
Deputy director of the palace board T S Subramanya said he has sought exclusive funds in the forthcoming state budget for the restoration works of the palace. He said the revenue generated through gate entry is largely spent on maintenance of the palace, besides man power.
Illumination
He said the palace is illuminated for two to three minutes in the evening every day to facilitate visitors view the palace in all its glory. This was made possible after cutting short the hour-long duration of illumination every Sunday from one hour to 45 minutes.
Historian P V Nanjaraj Urs, chairman of the prathishtana D Ram Singh, executive trustee M G Singh and others were present.
Historian lambasts royal scion
Historian P V Nanjaraj Urs on Sunday took a dig at royal scion Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, accusing the latter of focusing on things other than restoring the rich culture and tradition of Yadu dynasty inherited by him.
It was also for the first time in the recent past that Urs lost his cool to charge Wadiyar of preventing the Palace Board from opening the doors of the theatre inside the Palace to outsiders at least once.
Participating in the release of a journal, Urs said: “The theatre that had almost crumbled was brought to life by the board after much interest. It was the theatre where none other than the greats like Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar had unveiled their tryst with art.”
“However, when it was thought to stage a play at the same stage and open the doors to connoisseurs of art awhile, the royal scion turned down the request,” alleged Urs.
Instead, he indulges himself in hosting fashion shows. He also appealed to the dy director of the board T S Subramanya to revoke the decision on illuminating the palace for those who bear the related expenditure. “It will be a prelude to many programmes in the future that may tarnish the sanctity of the palace”, warned Urs. warned Subramanya.