Kaveri Falls. - Bar Chukki on east branch.

This photograph of the Kaveri Falls, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. The Kaveri Falls are otherwise known as the Sivasamudram Falls. The branches of the stream which enclose the island of Sivasamudram from the picturesque falls of the Gagana Chukki ("Sky Spray") on the Mysore side, and of Bhar Chukki ("Heavy Spray") on the Coimbatore side, each of which makes a descent of about 300 ft in succession of beautiful rapids and broken cascades. The Bhar Chukki is on the eastern branch of the river.

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Tombs of the Mysore Rajahs

Photograph of a collection of elaborately embellished tombs at Seringapatam in Karnataka, taken by an unknown photographer in the 1860s. These are the tombs of the Wodeyar Rajahs, the ruling dynasty of Seringapatam, whose sovereignty was taken over by Haider Ali, the Commander of the Rajah's army, on the death of the contemporary ruler. The Wodeyar Rajahs were later reinstated by the British after the death of Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali's son, at the storming of the capital in 1799.

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The Public Offices, Bangalore

This photograph of the Public Offices, Bangalore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.The view is of the main façade of the building situated in Cubbon Park, with an equestrian statue of Sir Mark Cubbon (longest serving Commissioner of Bangalore) on the right. Caption notes accompanying the album read, "Designed and built by Col (now Sir) Richard Sankey,1864-1868, for the Mysore Chief Commissioner's offices. The Mysore Government now holds its offices in the buildings, and the Council of Regency meets weekly in the large central hall upstairs."

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The Law Courts, Mysore

This photograph of the Law Courts, Bangalore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.This note taken from the Album reads, "The courts of the district and sessions judge, the sub judge, and the munsiff (a junior-grade judge) are held in these buildings, which are built in the new portion of the city named Chamarajpuram after his late Highness."

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Tipu's Flagstaff, Seringapatam

This photograph of Tipu's Flagstaff, Srirangapatna taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. Haider Ali, ruler of Mysore, reinforced the fortifications of Seringapatam, an island in the Cauvery River and the capital of his kingdom, with the help of officers from the French Army. After Haider Ali's death his son, Tipu Sultan, who had also enlisted the help of Afghanistan and Turkey, carried on the fight against the British, who were allied with the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas. Tipu was one of the most famous rulers of India and was known as "The Tiger of Mysore". He was killed in the Fort during the storming of Seringapatam by Major General David Baird in 1799.

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Moti Talab, Mysore

This photograph of the Moti Talab, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'."Moti Talab, or lake of pearls, near the French Rocks, is formed by the embankmant carried across a gap between two hills which stems the water of the Yadava River. The bund is 78 cubits high, 150 long, and 250 broad at the base, and is said to have been built by Ramanujacharya, the Srivaishnava reformer of the 12th century. The tank was breached by Tipu Sultan in 1798 to prevent its being of use to the enemy, but was restored by the British and is maintained in good order." This note comes from the album. 'Souvenir of Mysore'.

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Pupils attending Maharani's Girls' College, Mysore

This photograph of pupils attending Maharani's Girls' College, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.A note with the photograph reads, "This College, named in honor of H.H. the Maharani-Regent, was established in 1881. The institution is unique in its class in Southern India, educating, as it does, young ladies of the middle and higher classes of the high caste Hindus, and providing new walks of life for their widows...A Lady Superintendent selected in England, with University honors, presides, and the standard of education includes the first in Arts Degree of the Madras University. There are also special classes for preparing Brahmin widows for the Education Department and for the instruction of married ladies in subjects of domestic economy and accounts."

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The Dasara Hall with Throne, Palace, Mysore

This photograph of the Dasara Hall with throne, Mysore Palace taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.The note with the photograph reads, "This throne is one of the articles of interest in the palace. The original structure, which was of fig-wood overlaid with ivory, is generally stated to have been sent by Aurangzeb to Chikka Deva Raja in 1699. The Palace legend, however, runs that it had once been the throne of the Pandus, that Kampula Raja brought it thence and buried it at Penugonda, from which place the founders of the Vijayanagar Empire, to whom its locality was revealed by an ascetic, recovered it, and that it was handed down from dynasty to dynasty until it came into the possession of Raja Wodeyar. It is certain that the ivory throne was used by Chikka Deva Raja and his successors up to the accession of Tipu Sultan, and that, after the downfall of Seringapatam, it was employed at the Coronation, by the British, of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III."

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Maharani's Girls' College, Mysore.

This photograph of the Maharani's Girls' College, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. A note with the photograph reads, "This College, named in honor of H.H. the Maharani-Regent, was established in 1881. The institution is unique in its class in Southern India, educating, as it does, young ladies of the middle and higher classes of the high caste Hindus, and providing new walks of life for their widows...A Lady Superintendent selected in England, with University honors, presides, and the standard of education includes the first in Arts Degree of the Madras University. There are also special classes for preparing Brahmin widows for the Education Department and for the instruction of married ladies in subjects of domestic economy and accounts."

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The Raja of Mysore's bathing ghat on the River Puckshewan, a branch of the Cauvery at Shrirangapattana

Photograph of the Raja of Mysore's bathing ghat on the River Puckshewan, a branch of the Cauvery at Srirangapatnam from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series (volume 21, 'a' numbers), taken by by Henry Dixon in the early 1860s. Srirangapatnam is an island set in the River Kaveri in the modern day state of Karnataka in the south west of India. The Vijayanagar rulers built a fort here in 1454 and in 1616 it became the capital of the Mysore Wadayar Rajas. Later it was the capital of the renowned Rajas of Mysore, Haidar Ali (c. 1722-1782) and Tipu Sultan (1753-1799). Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were responsible for turning the small state of Mysore into a major Muslim power. The heavily fortified island boasts attractive formal gardens and many interesting buildings such as the Jami Masjid and the tomb of Haider and Tipu which suitably reflect the wealth and power of the Rajas.

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Colossal bull at French Rocks

Photograph of a Nandi bull at French Rocks near Srirangapattana (Seringapatam) in Karnataka, from Taylor and Fergusson's 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore', taken by William Henry Pigou in 1856. Srirangapattana, formerly the capital of Haidar Ali and his son and successor Tipu Sultan, rulers of Mysore and adversaries of the British, is situated on an island in the Kavery River. Haidar Ali greatly strengthened the existing fortifications of the island, with the advice and assistance of French military officers. To the north and east were a triple defence of bastions, ditches and cavaliers, while to the east and west, was a line of redoubts (since destroyed). The ramparts had strategically sited batteries, and powder magazines and an arsenal were constructed. These defences lasted for about 40 years, and the names 'Lally's Bastion' and 'French Rocks' survive as a reminder of Mysore's European allies. The fortress, the formidable stronghold of Tipu Sultan, was finally taken in 1799. After its capture and Tipu's death in the fighting, Srirangapattana came under British rule. Besides being the capital of both the Hindu and Muslim rulers of Mysore, the island had long been a Hindu pilgrimage site, primarily because of the 10th century Sriranganathaswamy temple, dedicated to Vishnu, from which it derives its name. This view shows a huge monolithic sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull which is the mount of Shiva, and symbolises virility and strength, the brute power in man.

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Marimallapa's High School, Mysore.

This photograph of the Marimallappa's High School, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. The view shows pupils and staff posed in front of the school, built to European designs. A caption note gives the following details, "Marimallappa was a Bakshi, or head of a department of the palace under Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, who, having no heirs, left his wealth for the promotion of education. The building was erected in 1886 and educated boys up to the Matriculation standard."

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First flood over the Sultan Cody or weir of the Nursamboodi Tank, Mysore, June 12th 1870

Photograph of the first flood over the Sultan Cody or weir, of the Nursamboodi Tank at Mysore in Karnataka on June 12th 1870. This print was taken by an unknown photographer in 1870. The precise location is unidentified but this view looks across the newly-completed weir. The weir is 600ft. long and was designed and built by Colonel J.M. Williams.

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Palace at Chittuldroog

Photograph of the Old Palace at Mysore, taken by William Henry Pigou around 1855. The view shows the east front and the gallery of the Dasara Hall of the old palace, burnt down in 1897. The new Amba Vilas Palace was designed by Henry Irwin and built in the Indo-Saracenic style. 

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Government House, Mysore

This photograph of the Government House, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.The caption notes accompanying this view reads, "..was formerly known as the Lower Residency, but is now reserved for European guests of H.H. the Maharaja. The front portion of the building was erected in 1805, under Major Wilks and is of the Doric order of architecture. The old and handsome portico with the verandah was later enclosed to form an extra drawing-room. The back of the building was added a few years later, by Sir John Malcolm, and comprises one of the largest rooms without pillars in Southern India. It was designed by De Haviland."

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General Market, Mysore.

This photograph was taken by Del Tufo and Company in the 1890s and published in the 'Souvenir of Mysore' album that forms part of the Curzon Collection. A caption accompanying this view of market buildings from New Market Road reads, "The photo shows the two faces of the Market with the Dufferin Fountain on the left. All articles of daily consumption as food are vended here. The building is fireproof, having arched roofs."

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Elephant in Mysore

The picture of an elephant in Mysore was taken by Joe Heydecker during one of his journeys in February 1957. Elephant leaders are presenting a white-headed state elephant of the Maharadja of Mysore to an audience of children (technique: black-and-white negative). Born as a son of a liberal family in 1916, Joe Heydecker was educated as a photographer. In 1941, Heydecker documented the inhumane conditions and the inconceivable misery of the Jewish population in the Warsaw Ghetto with a miniature camera. These photographs are painful testimonies of the National Socialist atrocities. After the Second World War, Heydecker worked as a photographer and journalist for several media and undertook various journeys, which he documented extensively. This particular picture was taken during a journey to India and Sri Lanka for the magazine “Deutsche Illustrierte” with the actresses Romy and Magda Schneider in 1957

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H.H. the Maharani's Hospital, Mysore.

This photograph of the H.H. Maharani's Temple, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.The view depicts the single-storey hospital building and an accompanying note reads, "Erected to the memory of H.H. the Dowager Maharani Depajammuni, C.I., the fourth Maharani of H.H. Krishna Raja Wodeyay III, who was invested with the Order of the Crown of India in 1878. Her Highness was...for some years, the Guardian of H.H. the late Maharaja. Although Her Highness lived to the advanced age of 89, she retained all her faculties to the end, and made charitable bequests on her death-bed." 

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Jagan Mohan Palace, Mysore

This photograph of the Jagan Mohan Palace, Mysore taken in the 1890s by M. Burahnudin, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. The view is from the garden looking towards the main façade of the Jagan Mohun Palace. Notes accompanying the album read, "..is a lofty building with tall Ionic columns in the verandah, reaching to the second storey. It was built by Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, as an ornament to the town and a place of amusement for European officers. The walls of the upper storey are painted with pictures, verging on the grotesque, representing the Raja in procession at Dasara and on shikar expeditions."

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Granite bull on Chahmundy [Mysore]

Photograph of the granite bull on Chahmundi Hill in Mysore.Chamundi Hill overlooks the town of Mysore and is named after the shrine dedicated to the homonymous goddess, the guardian divinity of the ruling Wadiyar family who built the temple in the 17th century. On the road ascending the hill there is a huge monolithic statue of Nandi, the mount of the god Shiva, with ceremonial bells and garlands. It dated from 1659.

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Interior of Karikal Thotti Palace, Mysore

This photograph of the interior of the Karikal Thotti Palace, Mysore taken in the 1890s by M. Burahnudin, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. Text with the album reads, "The room is at the extreme end of the Palace on the west. Its construction is in the Hindu style, with carved wooden pillars, spaced 10 feet every way, connected at top with arched carved panels, and roofed with ceiling planks. It is furnished in the European style, and is the room chiefly used by the late Maharaja for receiving visitors and the chief officers of state." 

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Interior of the Amba Vilasa of the Palace, Mysore

This photograph of the interior of the Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore taken in the 1890s by M. Burahnudin, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. A note with this photograph reads, "The hall is used on all minor festive occasions for holding durbars, and, during the ten days devoted to the Dasara feast, the Goddess Chamundi is installed here and daily worship offered."The Dasara festival is celebrated in most parts of India in commemoration of Lord Rama's victory over the demon-king Ravana. In Mysore however, it is held in celebration of the goddess Chamundi who killed the demon-king Mahishasura. 

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The Temple Car, Chamundi Hill, Mysore

This photograph of the Temple Car, Chamundi Hill, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.The view shows a temple car in the foreground with the gopura (the great pyramidal tower over the entrance-gate to the precint of a temple. S India) of the Chamundi Temple beyond. The car was presented to the temple by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1848. This temple was dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari, who was believed to have killed the evil demon-king Mahishasura

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Ancient photo of The Palace, Mysore

This photograph of the Palace, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.The note accompanying this photograph reads, ''The view shown here is the east face of the palace which was burnt down in 1897 immediately after the marriage of the first Princes[s]. It was built in the ultra Hindu style. The front, which was gaudily painted in primary colours, and supported by elaborate carved wooden pillars, comprised a spacious porch [seen here] and in rear the Dasara Hall, an open gallery, where the Maharaja showed himself to the people on occasions of state seated on his throne." The courtyard is crowded with mounted state troops and other officials. 

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Ancient photo of Temple on Chahmundy, Mysore, India

Photograph of the temple on Chamundi Hill in Mysore. The Chamundi Temple complex is situated on the homonymous hill that overlooks the town of Mysore and is dedicated to the guardian goddess divinity of the ruling Wadiyar family who built the shrine in the 17th century. Two gopuras constitute the access to the temple. The outer gateway, which can be seen in this photograph, is a steep pyramid built over an earlier stone wall. A mandapa leads to the shrine where the goddess is enthroned. 

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Ancient photo of Jubilee Institute, Mysore, India

This photograph of the interior of the Jubilee Institute, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. "Constructed in 1887, in commemoration of the Jubilee of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, Empress of India, as a museum for exhibiting the arts, economic and other products of the country. It contains a library of ancient oriental literature and the latest productions of the west. The foundation stone was laid by H.H. the late Maharaja on the 20th June, 1887. The exterior of the building is decorated with figures of Hindu mythology.", reads the note accompanying this photograph. 

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Panorama of Chaderghat, from Black Rock, Hyderabad - Ancient Photos

Panoramic view in two parts of the racecourse at Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, taken by Deen Dayal in the 1880s. This is from the Curzon Collection: 'Views of HH the Nizam's Dominions, Hyderabad, Deccan, 1892'. Hyderabad was founded beside the River Musi in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (r.1580-1612) as an alternative to his capital at Golconda. The town was laid out in a grid pattern with two main roads running east to west and north to south. The Char Minar, or Four Towers, built in 1591, sits at the intersection of these two roads. 

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The Public Offices, Mysore

This photograph of the Public Offices, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.A caption note accompanying this photograph reads, "Designed and built by Col. (now Sir) Richard Sankey, 1864-1868, for the Mysore Chief Commissioner's offices. The Mysore Government now holds its offices in the building, and the Council of Regency meets weekly in the large central hall upstairs." 

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General Wellesley's House, Mysore.

This photograph of General Wellesley's House, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.A note accompanying the photograph reads, "This building, though not pretentious architecturally, awakens interest from the fact that is was built, and for some time occupied, by the great Duke of Wellington, then Colonel Wellesley. It is situated opposite the west gate of Government House." 

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Tank near Government House, Mysore, with Chamundi Hill beyond

Photograph from the Elgin Collection: 'Autumn Tour 1895. Vol II', taken in 1895. This is a view of the tank near the Government House in Mysore with Chamundi hill in the background. Mysore is situated in Karnataka in Southern India in a valley with two ridges on either side. Government house was begun in 1800 by Colonel Wilks and completed in 1805. It is a fine example of a European style house of the period. Chamundi Hill is approximately 3000 feet high, situated to the southeast of Mysore and is topped with a temple dedicated to the guardian deity of the Mysore Rajas, the goddess Chamundi, or Durga. 

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The memorial fountain erected by European officers, Mysore

This photograph of the Memorial Fountain,Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.A general view of the memorial fountain dedicated to Maharaja Chamrajendra Wadiyar, with the Lansdowne Bazaars in the background. On 25 March 1881, at the age of 18 years, the Maharaja was publicly entrusted with the administration of the state. During his reign, the state experienced high levels of modernisation of its infrastructue, such as irrigation, railways and roads. 

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The Navagali or Fifth Day Ceremony of the Marriage [of the Maharaja of Mysore].

This photograph of the Royal Marriage, Mysore taken in 1900 by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar and his bride Maharani Pratap Bai are seated beneath the canopy in the durbar hall, with dignitaries seated on the floor and along the sides of the hall. The various articles and foodstuffs used in the ceremony are arranged on the ground in front of the couple. The letterpress slip pasted beneath the image describes the occasion as the "The Navagali or Fifth Day Ceremony of the Marriage." 

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The Main Street, Mysore

This photograph of a Main Street, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. Mysore, once the dynastic capital of the state, was superseded by Seringapatam as the seat of the court from 1610 until Tipu's death in 1799. In 1831, upon British occupation, the seat of administration was transferred to Bangalore. At the end of the street a small way-side shrine can be seen.

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Lansdowne Bazaars, Mysore

This photograph of the Lansdowne Bazaars, Mysore taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. This two-storey range of bazaars was named after Lord Landsdowne, Governor-General and Viceroy, to commemorate his visit to Mysore in 1892. It measures over 1,050 ft in length. 

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View of Mysore from Jagan Mohan Palace

This view of Mysore from the Jagan Mohan Palace, taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. The photograph was taken from an upper storey of the palace and shows the palace gardens in the foreground. Notes accompanying this print read, "The view shown is a portion of old Mysore with the west gate of the fort in the distance. The street in the centre has been named 'Lukshmi Vilasa' in honor of the bride of H.H. the Maharaja." The palace was built in 1861 by Krisnaraj Wodeyar IV. 

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The European Durbar at the Marriage [of the Maharaja of Mysore].

This photograph of the European Durbar at the Royal Marriage taken in 1900 by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.A durbar is the court kept by an Indian ruler; a public audience or levee held by a native prince, or by a British governor or viceroy in India. This is a formal group portrait with Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar and his bride Maharani Pratap Bai seated beneath the canopy in the durbar hall, with European and Indian officials gathered round. 

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Mysore. Temple of Chamondee, with idol car

Photograph of the Chamundi temple with the temple car to the left, near Mysore, Karnataka, from Taylor and Fergusson's 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore', taken by William Henry Pigou in c.1856. The granite hill overlooking the town of Mysore is called Chamundi Hill after the goddess enshrined in the temple near its summit. Chamundi, the slayer of the demon Mahishasura, is a form of the mother goddess Shakti, and is the family deity of the Wodeyar princes of Mysore. The temple is the oldest at Mysore, with local tradition relating that it was founded in the 12th century, but its gateway with its pyramidal tower or gopuram was completed in 1827. The shrine itself is a small structure with a small porch. Outside the temple is the chariot used during ceremonies to carry the statue of the goddess. It is adorned with the lion which is her mount.

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Mysore. Colossal bull at Chamondee. [Chamundi.]

Photograph of the Nandi bull on Chamundi Hill near Mysore in Karnataka, from Taylor and Fergusson's 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore', taken by William Henry Pigou in 1856. Chamundi Hill, overlooking Mysore, takes its name from the goddess Chamundi to whom a temple is dedicated near its summit. The goddess, a form of Shakti who as Chamundi slew the demon Mahishasura, is the tutelary deity of the Wodeyars, rulers of the former princely state of Mysore. Nandi, the sacred bull, is the vehicle of Shiva, the consort of the goddess, and symbolises great strength and virility, the animal force in man. The massive Nandi sculpture on the road that ascends Chamundi Hill is 5 ms tall and the largest of its type in India. It was carved from a single rock at the behest of Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (ruled 1659–72).

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Temple of Chamondee on the hill near to Mysore

Photograph of the Chamundi temple near Mysore, Karnataka, from Taylor and Fergusson's 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore', taken by William Henry Pigou in c.1857. The granite hill overlooking the town of Mysore is called Chamundi Hill after the goddess enshrined in the temple near its summit. Chamundi, the slayer of the demon Mahishasura, is a form of the mother goddess Shakti, and is the family deity of the Wodeyar princes of Mysore. The temple is the oldest at Mysore, with local tradition relating that it was founded in the 12th century, but its gateway with its steep pyramidal tower or gopuram was completed in 1827. The shrine itself is a smaller structure with a small porch. 

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Mysore. Idol car at Chamondee. [Chamundi Temple.]

Photograph of the Chamundi temple with the temple car in the foreground, near Mysore, Karnataka, from Taylor and Fergusson's 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore', taken by William Henry Pigou in c.1857. The granite hill overlooking the town of Mysore is called Chamundi Hill after the goddess enshrined in the temple near its summit. Chamundi, the slayer of the demon Mahishasura, is a form of the mother goddess Shakti, and is the family deity of the Wodeyar princes of Mysore. The temple is the oldest at Mysore, with local tradition relating that it was founded in the 12th century, but its gateway with its pyramidal tower or gopuram was completed in 1827. The shrine itself is a small structure with a small porch. Outside the temple is the chariot used during ceremonies to carry the statue of the goddess. It is adorned with the lion which is her mount.

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Gateway of the Eastern Palace, Mysore

Photograph from the album of Major General Jackson Muspratt-Williams, of the entrance gate to the Summer Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore, at Mysore in Karnataka, India, taken by an unknown photographer some time in the 1860s. Mysore was ruled by the Hindu Wodeyar Maharajas from c.1400 until the 20th century, save for the period from 1761 until 1799 when the Muslim Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan seized power. There are a number of palaces in the environs of the city built by the Maharajas which date from the 19th and 20th centuries, after the labyrinthine old city was demolished and rebuilt by its Muslim conquerors; the most famous is the main palace in the centre of Mysore, the Amba Vilas, a spectacular building designed in the orientalist “Indo-Saracenic” style by the British architect Henry Irwin. There were two summer palaces in Mysore, the Lokaranjan Mahal, situated in south-east Mysore, and the Rajendra Vilas Palace, situated on the summit of Chamundi Hill to the south-east of the city. This view shows a gateway to the palace built in a Hindu architectural style.

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The Amba Vilasa of the Palace, Mysore

This photograph of the Amba Vilasa, Mysore Palace taken in the 1890s by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'. "This portion of the palace [called the Amba Vilasa], which was rebuilt in the Indo-Saracenic style in 1895, was also burned down with all its treasures of pictures of the Krishna Wodeyar period which consisted principally of officers connected with Mysore, painted by European artists, in the fire of 1897; the walls, columns, and iron girders alone remaining." 

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[Group portrait of] the Maharaja [of Mysore] and his brothers and sisters

Full length studio portrait of Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore and his brothers and sisters by M. Burahnudin in 1895. This photograph is from the Elgin Collection: 'Autumn Tour 1895. Vol II'. Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar rulers, who were governors of southern Karnataka under the Vijayanagar Kings. The Wodeyar dynasty ruled almost uninterruptedly from 1399 until Indian independence, except for the 38 year rule of Haidar Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, in the 18th century. Born June 4th 1884 the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV succeeded to office as a minor on the death of his father. He is regarded as one of the most enlightened rulers of modern India; he is credited with transforming Mysore (modern Karnataka) into a model princely state and his period of rule has often been called the ‘Golden Age of Mysore’.

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