
Built
in 1809, Jai Vilas Palace is located in the new city of Gwalior. It is
the house of the present Maharaja of Gwalior. Lt. Col. Sir Michael
Filose designed this palace. 35 of the rooms have been converted into
the Scindia Museum and the rest of the rooms reflect the splendour and
glory, which comes alive in the Italianate structures.
A Beautiful Ensample Of Architectural Styles
The Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes are combined in Jai
Vilas. The Darbar hall of the palace is an imposing structure. Covered
with heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and furniture
from Italy and France occupy these spacious rooms. The Darbar hall
ceiling has two incredibly massive chandeliers weighing in tonnes.
Palace's Treasure Chest - Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior
The treasure of Jai Vilas Palace includes a silver train, which has cut
glass wagons carrying wine and cigars after dinner, a glass cradle used
for Lord Krishna on every Janamashtami festival, swords once worn by
Aurangzeb and Shah Jehan.
Apart from these there are personal gifts and mementoes of Scindia
Family which includes the Jewelled slippers of Chinkoo Rani, hunting
trophies and portraits, also small room having collection of erotica.
Jai Vilas is an excellent glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of
princely India.