Explore the Rich Cultural Heritage of Jai Vilas Palace Museum

Gwalior is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in India. Primarily remained as princely state of the British Raj, the city is now a metropolitan city in Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior has been ruled by numerous dynasties, including Tomars, Marathas, Mughals, and Scindia. Influence of these dynasties can be easily witnessed in numerous regal structures. The city has a plenty of points of interest and lures a horde of travelers from all across the world.

Established in 1874 by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia, Jai Vilas Palace is one such preferred tourist destination. Depicting a great amalgam of Tuscan, Corinthian, and Italian architecture style, a wing of this 19th-century palace was converted into museum and named Jiwajirao Scindia Museum on 12th December 1964.

Popular referred to as Jai Vilas Palace Museum, it offers scenic views of the 19th and 20th century palace. Also, the museum exhibits different arts and crafts of the royal family. Jai Vilas Palace Museum possesses a wide variety of furniture, including French, Oriental, and Malabar. As Scindia were used to visit various western countries, so they collected number of artefacts and furniture that can be witnessed in the museum.

It has been truly said that ‘Royalty is well defined through carriages’. Design, material, and size are some of the factors that largely depends on the usage. Hunting howdahs, silver chariot, open palanquins, silver buggy, and gifted carriages are some main collections in the museum. The miniature segment of the museum consists miniature paintings made by Raja Man Singh Tomar. In addition, 3D, tondos, Western art oil, and Maratha style paintings are some valuable collections of the royal family.

While here, visitors can also witness Tipu Sultan and Napoleon Lithographs, two of the rarest collections of the Scindia family. The informative museum also consists of sculptures right from 2nd Century BCE to 20th Century CE. These beautifully-carved marble and sandstone sculptures gains the attraction of each art lover. Jai Vilas Palace Museum also has a great collection of decorative arts, including crystal, wooden, metal, glass, stone, and ivory. Additionally, silver and crystal crockery and ceramic decorative plates makes the collection unique and rich.

Apart from unique collection of artefacts, visitors can also witness Gwalior’s renowned Chanderi fabric in the museum. Preferred by Mughals in 20th century CE, the fabric is loved for its light weight and sheer texture. As Chanderi was patronized by Scindia family, since then it became the Scindia royal fabric. During a visit to Jai Vilas Palace Museum, tourists can see lovely Chanderi saree with golden border.

So if you are an art lover and want to explore this fascinating museum with a luxurious stay, then choose the Indian Panorama itinerary of Maharajas’ Express. To book this itinerary, click here!