India’s Grandest ₹4,000 Crore Palace: Inside Jai Vilas Palace

There are many royal palaces in India, however, not a single one of them is as big, beautiful, and magnificent as Jai Vilas Palace. This palace is in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and it is regarded as being one of the luxury and costly heritage palaces in the nation. Jai Vilas Palace, worth almost ₹4,000 crore and adorned with approximately 560 kg of gold, is a representation of royal prosperity, influence, and building genius.

This palace was constructed during the 19th century and was the royal house of the Scindia Dynasty which was one of the strongest royal families in India. Jai Vilas Palace is still visited by people from different parts of the world today.

Where Is Jai Vilas Palace Located?

The Jai Vilas Palace is located in Gwalior which is a historical city in Madhya Pradesh. In 1874 Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia commissioned its construction. The palace remains a royal residence of the Scindia family with much of the palace converted into a museum that is open to the people.

A Grand 19th Century Royal Residence of the Scindia Dynasty

Jai Vilas Palace is an indication of the luxurious way of life of the Scindia people. The palace was meant to impress the Indian royalty as well as the European visitors. It presents the affluence, elegance and international impact of the Scindia Dynasty in British India.

The palace is a blend of the Indian royal culture and the European elegance hence it is one of the most unique royal buildings in the country.

Fusion of Tuscan, Italian, and Corinthian European Architecture

The architectural style of Jai Vilas Palace is one of the most impressive characteristics of the building. It is said that the palace combines Tuscan, Italian, and Corinthian European architecture.

Major architectural features are:

• Massive stone columns
  
• Grand arches and domes
  
• Sophisticated floors and balconies
  
• Halls decorated in Indian royal style as traditionally in Europe
  

This mishmash of the western style and the Indian royal opulence is what makes the palace one of its kind.

12 Lakh Square Feet, 400+ Rooms, and Gold Everywhere

Jai Vilas Palace is over 12 lakh square feet with over 400 rooms. Decorations on many of these rooms include:

• Gold detailing
  
• Italian marble
  
• Persian carpets
  
• Crystal furniture
  
• Handcrafted ceilings
  

The amount of gold is said to have been used in the interiors of the palaces, approximately 560 kg in the palace, which means that it is one of the most gold-decorated palaces across the globe.

All the rooms are characterized by royal luxury, fine art and historic craftsmanship.

The Famous Darbar Hall and the Elephant-Tested Chandeliers

The most renowned part of the Jai Vilas Palace is the Darbar Hall. It is characterized by two super huge chandeliers with the weight of 3,500 kg each.

Popular historical accounts affirm that 10 elephants were used to test the strength of the palace ceiling before the chandeliers were hanged there. This tale alone demonstrates how great and dull the palace building is.

Other elements of the Darbar Hall include:

• Gold-plated furniture
  
• Ornate carpets
  
• Massive mirrors
  
• Royal thrones
  

The royal ceremonies and state meetings took place in this hall.

The Iconic Silver Dining Train

The silver dining train is also one of the most special and interesting treasures of the palace. This small train was employed to deliver food to members of the royal dinners.

The silver train:

• Runs on little tracks around the table
  
• Brings dishes, sweets and beverages
  
• Is made entirely of silver
  

This is a luxury dining system, which is quite common in the society of the Indian royalty, and is hardly found elsewhere in the world.

Museum of Royal Lifestyle and History

Jai Vilas Palace has become a museum to a very great extent. Visitors can see:

• Royal costumes
  
• Weapons and swords
  
• Vintage cars
  
• Paintings and photographs
  
• European furniture
  
• Scindia Family personal belongings
  

The museum provides an in-depth insight into royal life, culture, and history.

Why Jai Vilas Palace Is Considered India’s Grandest Palace

Jai vilas Palace is unique due to:

• Its massive size and value
  
• Excessive use of gold and luxurious material
  
• Rare architectural fusion
  
• Old-fashioned chandeliers and silver train
  
• Scindia Dynasty had historical significance
  

There are hardly any palaces in the world or India that can be compared to its beauty and size.

Conclusion

Jai Vilas Palace is not a mere palace - it is a representation of royalty in India. It is worth ₹4,000 crore of gold, 560 kg of gold, European architecture, and rare royal treasures, and rightly so, it stands the test of being called the grandest palace in India. This masterpiece is a 19th century masterpiece situated in Gwalior, which still continues to astonish the visitors and serves as a proud symbol of royal India.

Stay with us for more.

FAQs

Q-1. Where is Jai Vilas Palace located?

Ans- Jai Vilas Palace is at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.

Q-2. Which royal family built Jai Vilas Palace?

Ans- The Scindia Dynasty was one of the most powerful ruling families in India that had built it.

Q-3. How big is Jai Vilas Palace?

Ans- The palace has more than 400 rooms, and a square of 12 lakh feet.

Q-4. What is the most famous attraction inside the palace?

Ans- The most iconic attractions are the chandeliers in the Darbar Hall, which are of 3,500 kg and the silver dining train.

Q-5. Is Jai Vilas Palace open to the public?

Ans- Yes, much of the palace is a museum which receives visitors.