India, Dec. 7 -- By Dr. K. Javeed Nayeem, MD

The Lalitha Mahal, now named the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the most magnificent among the many Palaces in our city of Maharajas, is once again back in the news, after seven years. Located on a vast expanse of landscaped gardens at the base of the imposing Chamundi Hill, it was built by Maharaja Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, between the years 1921 and 1930, for the exclusive stay of the Governor General of India and also as a royal guest house, especially for his European guests.

Designed by the architect, Edwin Wolleston Fritchley and built by the civil contractor, B. Munivenkatappa, who also built the Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru and the twin steel girder bridges across the Cauver...