Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace, a palace located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, in an area owned originally by Rev. J. Garrett, who was the first Principal of the Central High School in Bangalore, now known as Central College. The beginning of the construction of the Palace is attributed to him.Rev. Garrett was an early pioneering educationist of Wesleyan Mission. He started the first press here, and printed literary works in Kannada too. His daughter married the celebrated historian, educationist and archaeologist B. L. Rice. Together, they have given us immortal works. Rice's bungalow still exists opposite to the Windsor Manor hotel and goes by the name 'Rain Tree.The entire place was purchased from Rev. Garrett in 1873 AD by the British Guardians using the minor Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X's accumulated personal funds. They were in charge of his education and administrative training in order to make him ready to take over the reign in 1881 AD. As the young Maharaja did not have a suitable place to stay during his training in Bengaluru, this property was purchased. Construction of a palace building was started in April 1874 and completed by 1878. Mr. Cameron of Lalbagh did the landscaping. Many additions and improvements were carried out in subsequent years. In the later years, Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar added some portions outside of Durbar Hall during his reign. The twin external staircase and platform for musicians are additions from this period. The palace with a floor area of 45,000 sft, and the grounds surrounding it are spread across 454 acres (183 ha). British officials who were in charge of the education of the young prince HH Chamaraja Wodeyar bought the palace in 1873 A.D. from him at a cost of Rs. 40,000 and later renovated it.