Mysore: Culture icon set for image makeover

Mysore, June 10: The Union Government has sanctioned Rs 44.40 lakhfor the conversion of the century-old Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, aheritage structure and a crown jewel in the city's culture circuit,into a museum complex.

University of Mysore sources told UNI the proposal was sent to thegovernment some time back and Rs 33.30 lakh had already been releasedin the first instalment.

According to project proposal, University of Mysore should release 20 per cent by way of matching grants for the project.

The funds would be used for embellishment and renovation of thestructure which was restored to its former glory with financialassistance from Infosys Foundation seven years ago.

The university had commenced the process of converting the mansioninto a museum complex. Priceless collection of artifacts, some of themdating back to at least 800 years, had been given a fresh lease of lifeand displayed in the galleries.

The exhibits include numismatic collections including rate goldcoins dating back to the Gupta Period and ancient artifacts besidesthose depicting the folk culture of Karnataka.

Reckoned to be the first university in the country to have museumcomplex, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion already houses an archaeologicalmuseum apart from the folklore museum, while a gallery dedicated toKannada literature is in the process of being completed.

The University purchased the mansion and the nearly 300 acre landsurrounding it for Rs ten lakh in December 1959, to establish the postgraduate campus of Manasagangothri.

Subsequently, the exquisite mansion fell into disuse and was onthe verge of a collapse when the Infosys Foundation funded itsrestoration by sanctioning Rs 1.17 crore.

University sources said that the mansion was a masterpiece and anarchitect's delight with 125 rooms, 300 windows and 287 exquisitelycarved doors.

The building is over 100 years old and is one of the five palacesconstructed at the behest of the then Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar ofMysore Royal Family.

The entire structure was originally constructed using brick andmortar and the format of the building was not altered duringrestoration work.

More then 15,000 internationally acclaimed items from Department of Geology would be displayed in the museum.

It would also offer research facilities for students ofarchitecture. The building itself had been built incorporating Hindu,Islam and European architectural styles.

The museum would also depict the history of the University ofMysore, one of the oldest in the country, besides offering space tohold photo and painting exhibitions.

UNI