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Mysore is the former capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It was the seat of administration for the former rulers of Mysore therefore the city houses a large number of palaces and fortresses which bear witness to the grand past of the city. Sightseeing in Mysore would be incomplete without visiting these palatial structures which are nestled around the city. Most of the palaces in Mysore were built by the Wodeyar Kings who ruled the city for more than a hundred years. The most famous palace in Mysore is the Amba Vilas or the Mysore Palace which was the former residence of the Royal Family. Another architectural masterpiece is the Jaganmohana Palace in Mysore. Built in 1861, the Jaganmohana Palace of Mysore is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The Jaganmohana Palace was built by the Wodeyars, the former Maharajas of Mysore. This 150 year old structure has hosted a large number of royal events such as the coronation of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in 1902. The then Viceroy, Lord Curzon was also present at the coronation ceremony at the Jaganmohana Palace in Mysore. The Jaganmohana Palace was the residence of the Royal Family for a short period of ten years when the official residence, the Mysore Palace, was destroyed in a fire in 1897. The main hall of the palace is known as the Wedding Pavilion as it was here that the wedding ceremony of Krishanaraja Woderyar IV was held. The pavilion was formerly used by the Royal family as the Durbar Hall where the King met the common public during the annual Dussehra festival. But after the Independence of Indian Republic in 1947, the princely state was fused with the Indian Union. With this merger the reign of the Wodeyars came to an end and the city state became a Kannada-speaking state under the Union of India. It was during this early period of Independence that the Jaganmohana Palace in Mysore held convocation ceremonies of the Mysore University. Even today the Jaganmohana Palace plays host to a number of cultural activities including the Dussehra festivities when famous artists from across the country perform in the palace hall. One of the most attractive features of the Jaganmohana Palace is the two gigantic doors which are made of wood. The Dashavathara or the ten incarnations of the Hindu God Vishnu have been carved on the wooden doors of the Jaganmohana Palace, Mysore. Today, the Jaganmohan Palace has been converted into the Jayachamarejendra Art Gallery. The Art Gallery displays a selection of paintings and artifacts that belonged to the former rulers of Mysore. Considered as one of the best galleries in Southern region of the country, the best works of famous Indian artists Master Raja Ravi Verma have also been displayed at Jaganmohan Palace of Mysore.
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