India, March 5 -- By R.G. Singh

Mysore circa 1897, festivities connected with the wedding celebrations of Princess Jayalakshmammanni, the eldest daughter of the late Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X with Kantharaje Urs (later Dewan of Mysore State 1918-1922), brother of dowager Maharani H.H. Kempananjammanni Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, turned to a mishap when a part of the Palace got burnt down.

The ruling regent, who had just lost her royal consort (1894), with a 13-year-old son (H.H. Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV) anointed heir by her side, rose to the occasion and immediately swung into action. With a team of dedicated courtiers and trusted lieutenants, the foundation and planning for a grand Palace were put in place.

Archival records at Mysor...