The Wadiyars built 11 palaces in Mysore, of which Jayalashmi Vilas mansion (1905 vintage) at Manasagangotri is credited to Sri Chamaraja Wadiyar. It was a gift to his eldest daughter Jayalashammani, wife of the then deputy commissioner Narasaraja Kemparaja Urs.

1959: Mysore University acquired the mansion, spread over 300 acres, to house the post-graduate centre.

2000: Infosys Foundation donated Rs.1.17 crore for restoration.

2005: Centenary year will see the establishment of a folklore museum at the mansion. Dr. N S Rangaraju of ancient history and archaeology dept. and special officer for museum project, in his report, says Jayalakshmi Vilas palace has 120 rooms, including 90 living rooms, a kalyana mandapa (40 x 40 ft.), and a 40 x 25 ft. ball room with teak flooring. The interiors represent the best of the wooden architecture in southern India, Dr Rangaraju would have it..

(Source: R Krishna Kumar, ‘The Hindu’ – Nov.12, 2005)

Related item: Know your Mysore

                     Mysore Palace