Part of the Jai Vilas Palace, an Italianate structure which combining the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural styles and the current royal residence of the Scindia dynasty, houses the Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum. Spread over 35 rooms, the museum is an ode to the lavish lifestyle of the royal family in the past. The imposing Durbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, which are said to have been hung only after seven elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Gilded ceilings, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy fill up these spacious rooms. Some eye-catching treasures displayed in the museum include a silver train with cut-glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for baby Krishna each; and swords that were once worn by the Mughal emperors Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Interestingly, these were personally owned by members of the Scindia family.
Join us in this walk to learn more about the Scindia dynasty and their regal lifestyle.
