Henry Irwin (British Architect) designed it forthe Maharaja of Mysore - INDIA

One of the largest palaces in India, Mysore Palace of Karnataka is a
fine example of unique blend of different styles of architecture. The
Mysore Palace is one of the most attractive and gorgeous monuments in
Karnataka. It is also known by the name of Amba Vilas and was the
residence of Wodeyar Maharaja. The Mysore Palace was rebuilt in 1912
after the original palace was destroyed in a fire accident in the year
1897. It was re-designed in Saracenicstyle by a famous British
architect Henry Irwin. One can see the blend of different forms of
architecture and design in the Maysore Palace.
The palace has three stories and a series of square towers with domed
arches. A gold-plated dome about 145 feet from the ground covers the
open courtyard in the center. The architecture has a blend of Hindu,
Mughal, Rajput and Gothic styles. The entrance of the palace has
'Gombe Thotti' or Doll's Pavilion, which has a collection ofIndian and
European sculptures and ceremonial objects. The main gate of the
palace building is known as Elephant Gate and is beautifully decorated
with floral motifs and the royal symbol of Mysore, the two-headed
Eagle. One finds the royal ceremonial elephant howdah decorated with
84 kilograms of gold and other precious stones.
The south of the Palace has the splendid KalyanaMandapam" or the
wedding pavilion, whichis decorated with multi colored stained glass
with peacock motifs arranged in geometrical patterns. One can find
elaborate chandeliers and tall slender wroughtiron pillars imported
from countries like Scotland and Czechoslovakia. The flooris made up
of glazed tiles that have been imported from England. The walls are
decorated with paintings depictingthe celebration of Dusshera festival
during the royal rule.
The second floor has the splendid durbar hall known as 'Diwan-I-am',
which is around 155 feetlong and 42 feet broad. The hall is marked by
an exquisitely decorated ceiling, a glistening floorand sculptured
pillars that are painted in gold. The walls have murals depicting the
eight avatars of Goddess Shakti. There are paintings that depict
scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and also an original painting
of the famous painter Raja Ravi Varma. Towards thesouth on the same
floor is the Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall), which is decorated
with beautifully carved entrance doors and stained glass ceiling.
The palace is surroundedby twelve temples, spread in the compound.Most
of these are built inthe Dravidian architectural style. The famous
ones include Varashaswamy Temple, which has actually inspired the
design for Sri Chamundeswari Temple on Chamundi Hill. The temples are
decorated beautifully during special occasions like festivals and
other auspicious days. The Department of Archaeology and Museums of
Karnataka Government now looks after the maintenance ofMysore Palace.
The palace has the largest collection of gold items (quantity wise).
The famous 200-kilogram gold throne is kept for display every year
during the festival of Dusshera. Every Sunday night the monument looks
like a heavenly palace as it is illuminated with thousands of light
bulbs.