Built in 1861 as a formal entertainment palace for the Mysore royal family, the Jagan Mohan palace became a museum 1915 under the patronage of the maharaja. The entrance hall has a photographic depiction of royal activities in the erstwhile state. A quaint but popular exhibit is the French calendar clock where a group of soldiers play music to indicate the hour. The Mysore Royal Family Gallery has life size portraits painted by Indian and European artists attached to the court. An oil painting by Wesksler, the Wedding Durbar of late His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (1900) is spectacular. Another interesting exhibit is a genealogical table of the Mysore kings from 1399 till today, painted in a leaf form in the Mysore style of art.

Tipu Sultan is represented by etchings of him, his father Haider Ah and scenes from the Srirangapatna war. One moving painting depicts the handing over of Tipu's sons as hostages to the British. The Western Art Gallery has portraits of British Officers, imitations of European Old Masters and three paintings by Rama Varma showing Khedda operation in the jungle.

There is also a section on Himalayan landscape paintings by Roerich, a Russian artist who lived in Nagar, a small town in Himachal Pradesh. An excellent collection of paintings of gods and goddesses represents the Mysore school of art.

On the first floor are a large number of water colours by well known Indian artists like Gaganendranath Tagore, Chugtai, Nandalal Bose and S L Heldenkar. However, the main attractions remain the paintings by Ravi Varma, which include some of his best known works, Galaxy of Musicians, Malabar Lady, Lady in Moonlight and Rama Varma's Harishchandra.

Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Jagan Mohan Palace, Mysore

Timing: 8.00 am. to 5.30 pm
Open on all days.