Scindia Museum

The Jai Vilas Palace about which I had written in this post houses the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum that was established in 1964 and is said to be managed by a trust.

The Museum is known for its vast collection of treasures that gives an indication of the lifestyle of the Scindias. There is a lot of paraphernalia of the Scindia dynasty that can be found there.

Visitors get fascinated about a silver train with cut glass wagon that is known to be serving guests as it chugs along on the table on a miniature railway line. I would have been too, but only if I had seen it in action, so I'll wait patiently till I get an invitation from Jyotiraditya Scindia!

There was a room (or two) of jungle scenery with stuffed tigers. That sight, and that of the hunting trophies, was something that I did not enjoy.

There are cut glass ornaments, art works, coins, bronze sculptures, woodworks, ivory works, carpets and rugs, musical instruments and a large number of stuff belonging to the Scindia kinsfolk and their portraits too.

There are many items of gifts received from VIPs around the world, whether it was during the trips of Scindias abroad or during the visit of dignitaries to the Jai Vilas Palace. Also on display are personal mementos of past members.

The Museum has two huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling supposedly weighing 3.5 tons each! An enthusiastic guard nearby (who volunteered to be a temporary guide) narrated to me how seven elephants were made to march non-stop for seven days on the roof of the Palace to test its strength before those heavy chandeliers were made to hang freely from the ceiling.

There are other trophies and a lot of weapons displayed including swords said to be used by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.

Travellers who are interested in exploring the opulence of the princely state can visit the Scindia Museum. I had just a quick look around and was eager to move on to my next destination.