22/03/2026
The newly restored Durbar Hall at Jai Vilas Palace,
The newly renovated Durbar Hall at Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior, brings back the grandeur of royal India with renewed brilliance. Originally commissioned by Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia in the 19th century, this majestic hall served as the epicentre of royal court proceedings.
A stunning blend of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo design, the hall dazzles with over 560 kg of gold adorning its intricately crafted ceiling. The historic handwoven carpet—measuring an impressive 90 by 48 feet—was crafted by inmates of Gwalior Fort prison, adding a unique local legacy to its opulence.
Stealing the spotlight are the two colossal crystal chandeliers, among the largest in the world, crafted by F&C Osler of Birmingham. Each weighs 3.5 tonnes, stretches 31 feet, and illuminates the hall with 248 bulbs—proof that even royalty believed in going “all out” with lighting.
Beyond its architectural splendour, the Durbar Hall is steeped in history. It witnessed the historic ceremony of Madhya Bharat’s union in 1948, attended by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, where Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia was appointed Rajpramukh.
Today, with its restoration complete, the Durbar Hall once again stands tall—not just as a palace room, but as a golden chapter of India’s royal and political legacy.