Jai Vilas Palace

The Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior generally called Scindia Palace, India, is a majestic palace that was constructed in 1874 by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia, the then-Maharaja of the Princely State of Gwalior, as a Western-style residence. The three-story palace was designed by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Michael Filose and is an inspired amalgam of three architectural styles. It has minimal Indo-Saracenic features and does not incorporate many local motifs or regional iconography, making it an European masterpiece living in the heart of India.

The Jai Vilas Palace was built to extend a grand welcome to the then-Prince of Wales and Emperor of British India, King Edward VII, and Queen Mary, on their visit to Gwalior on 20th December 1905, during their India tour. The palace is constructed in sandstone and painted in brilliant white, giving it a grand and luxurious look.

In 1964, Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia converted the West and South wings of the Palace into a museum, in memory of her beloved husband HH Maharaja Sir Jiwaji Rao Scindia, the last Maharaja of the Princely State of Gwalior. The Museum was inaugurated by the then-President of India, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakishnan. Over the years, portions of the West wing of the Palace have also been added to the Museum. With 41 galleries at present, the Museum displays diverse collections, dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

The Museum showcases glimpses of art, culture, and Maratha history, and of the lifestyle of the Scindia Dynasty of Gwalior. The collection is quintessentially cross-cultural, showcasing congruence and diversity in artistic expression across milieus. Some of its highlights are royal carriages and textiles, arms and armor used by the Scindia army, decorative art, rosewood furniture and sculpture, rare paintings by Indian and European masters, lithographs and prints, manuscripts, and Southeast Asian art collections.

The Kerman Masha’ir carpet in the Durbar Hall is one of the major attractions of the museum. The carpet is a masterpiece of Persian art and is said to have been woven over a period of 12 years. The carpet is made of silk and wool and is decorated with intricate designs and patterns.

Visitors from across the world are awed by the Jai Vilas Palace and the Museum. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. The palace and museum are open to the public, and visitors can get a glimpse of the grandeur and luxury of the Scindia Dynasty of Gwalior.