By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

Ever wondered what were the gifts received at the royal weddings of the Wadiyars? Gouri Satya in his book ‘Colonial Landmarks in Mysuru’ writes, “Sir James Davidson Gordon, who served as the Resident of Mysore and Chief Commissioner of Coorg, was present during the marriage of H.H. Chamarajendra Wadiyar with Vanivilasa Sannidhana

Kempananjammanni on May 26, 1878, in the Palace (Mysore). He delivered a tray of presents from the Viceroy, Lord Lytton, consisting of a diamond ring for the Dowager Maharani of Seethavilasa Devajammanni, the surviving consort of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, a diamond necklace for the bridegroom and a pearl necklace and a golden waist belt set with precious stones, for the bride.

 This photograph shows the silver caskets neatly arranged at the Amba Vilasa or Diwan-e-khas where Private Durbar takes place. Notice the ornate wrought iron pillars, massive at the bottom which tapers towards the top. Each pillar has a capital featuring a seated angel. The base of the arch has a pendant in the shape of a mango on top of which is a Raja Hamsa. The scalloped arch originates along the profile of the head and beak of these Raja Hamsas.

A leather-bound large format album containing sepia toned photographs has recorded in detail the wedding of the Yuvaraja H.H. Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar with Kempu Cheluvajammanni in the year 1910. The wedding was perhaps the first celebration in the Palace that was being constructed at that time; the formal wedding rituals were held at the Jaganmohan Palace.

The outer corridor of the Private Durbar Hall, Amba Vilasa, where the precious gifts including jewellery and utensils in custom made velvet boxes were displayed for the viewing pleasure of the royal family and their immediate inner circle and top-ranking officials who took inventory before the items were deposited in the treasury.

One of the first and pivotal rituals of the wedding, Kashi Yaatre (featured in the 18th column of Vintage Vignettes dated 15.6.2026) began from the main Palace, wound its way to the nearby Jaganmohan Palace with thousands of citizens thronging the streets to watch the royal spectacle of the Maharaja and the groom — the Yuvaraja — atop caparisoned elephants arriving for the formal ceremonies through a huge elaborate temporary arch at the entrance of the venue.

Among the invitees to the wedding were royalty from other States, eminent citizens and high-ranking officers of Mysore State who presented the newlyweds with caskets made of silver and sandalwood containing congratulatory messages which was the practice of the day.