The guardians of Chamaraja Wadiyar purchased
the area where the palace is now located, from Reverend J Garrett, who was a
school principal in the cantonment town in 1873. The guardians were in charge
of his education and administrative training in order to make him ready to take
over the reign in 1881. As the young Maharaja did not have a suitable place to
stay during his training in Bengaluru, this property was purchased. The
construction of the palace began in 1874 and was inspired by Tudor style
architecture, with fortified towers, battlements and turrets. The initial
construction was completed in 1878 and subsequent additions and renovations
have been carried out since. Landscaping of the palace and surrounding areas
was done by John Cameron, the person behind Lalbagh. In the later years,
Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar added some portions outside of Durbar Hall during
his reign. The twin external staircase and platform for musicians are additions
from this period. Some of the defining features of the two-level granite
structure include the fortified towers and the turreted parapets,
quintessential elements of Tudor buildings. Roman arches at the entrance are
another attraction. The facade of the building boasts many different shapes and
projections. The vine -covered walls make the palace look like English
countryside.
Having failed to confiscate the property
under Land Acquisition Act 1894 and Urban Land (ceiling and regulation) Act
1976, the Government of Karnataka ultimately enacted the Bangalore Palace
(Acquisition & transfer) Act 1996 under Mr. H.D. Deve Gowda to expropriate
the entire premises spreading over 450 acres of prime real estate in the world
for a farthing of 11cr Rupees. This dispute is pending before the Hon'ble
Supreme Court of India, as it needs constitutional issues like whether material
resources of the community under Article 39(b) of the Indian Constitution
covers what is privately owned. The same awaits decision by a 9 Judge
Constitution Bench of Indian Supreme Court. A judgement in favour of government
might lead to more such legislation for acquisition of similar properties. This
is alleged to be in contrast to new Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Bill, 2013 recently passed by the Indian Parliament.
Today a legal battle between government and
the Mysore Royal family has seen a band of commercial activities. The sprawling
ground surrounding the palace is being used for holding public events including
music concerts. Many international artists have performed in the grounds. A
number of private companies controlled by the royal family run a number of
wedding halls on the grounds around the palace.
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