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Jai Vilas Palace: Built in 1874, the Jai Vilas Palace, is a nineteenth century palace in Gwalior, India. It was built by Jayajirao Scindia, the then-Maharaja of the Princely State of Gwalior in the British Raj. Interestingly, while major part of the palace is now the “Jiwajirao Scindia Museum”, a part of it is still the residence of some of his descendants. Notably, 25 rooms of the palace have been turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and the rest is being occupied by the current Scindia. As of today, Madhavi Raje, the Rajmata of Scindia royal family and mother of Jyotiraditya Scindia, used to live in the palace, whose worth is Rs 45,000 crore.
The Museum was inaugurated by the then-President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The museum creation enabled glimpses of art, culture and Maratha history, and of the lifestyle of the Scindia Dynasty of Gwalior.
This majestic Jai Vilas Palace was built as a Western style residence for the Maharaja during his rule in the British India. Also, the palace was built to extend a grand welcome to the then-Prince of Wales and Emperor of British India (1901-10) King Edward VII and Queen Mary, when they visited India.
The Jai Vilas Palace was constructed in sandstone and painted in brilliant white. The three-storeyed palace was designed by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Michael Filose. The palace features eye catching treasures including a silver train with cutglass wagons; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.
The palace also has a Darbar Hall, which has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof, as per the official website of the Jai Vilas Palace.
The entry fee for the Jai Vilas Palace is Rs 60 per person for Indians and Rs 350 for foreigners, subject to seasonal changes. The palace is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but remains closed on Wednesdays.
Additionally, visitors can reach Jai Vilas Palace via Gwalior Train Junction, the nearest railway station, or Maharajpur Air Force Base Airport, the closest airport. This grand palace, a blend of European and Indian architectural styles, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Scindia dynasty. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts, furniture, and a historic Durbar Hall, making it a must-visit destination in Gwalior.
