STUDY TRIP REPORT: MYSORE PALACE AND CHAMUNDI HILL
Date of Trip: 30/09/2024
Organized by: Dept. of Political Science, St. Claret College Bangalore
Participants: 43 students of B.A Department
Faculty Supervisors: Dr. Ashok Jacob Mathews
1. Introduction
The study trip to Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill was an educational
excursion organized by Department of Political Science to explore two of the
most iconic landmarks in Mysore. The trip aimed to provide students with a
deeper understanding of Indian architecture, history, religion, and culture. These
sites are integral to the city’s heritage and offer a glimpse into the glorious past
of the Wodeyar dynasty and Karnataka’s spiritual landscape.
2. Objectives of the Trip
- To gain an understanding of the historical significance of Mysore Palace and
Chamundi Hill.
- To explore the architectural styles of the Mysore Palace, including Indo-
Saracenic design and its historical context.
- To understand the cultural and religious importance of Chamundi Hill and the
Chamundeshwari Temple.
- To encourage students to appreciate heritage conservation efforts and cultural
tourism.
3. Itinerary
Departure from College: The trip commenced at morning 6.30 am from St.
Claret College
Arrival at Mysore: We arrived in Mysore at around 9.30 am, followed by a short
briefing session about the day’s itinerary.
Morning Session: Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple
Drive to Chamundi Hill: Following lunch, the group traveled to Chamundi Hill,
located about 13 kilometers from the city center. The hill offers a panoramic
view of Mysore city, making it a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination.
-Vehicle Ride to the Temple: The group had the option of either climbing the
1,000 steps leading up to the temple or taking a vehicle to the top. But instead
we took a bus ride with entire group to the top of the hill
Chamundeshwari Temple
- Religious Significance: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari,
a form of Durga. The group learned about the mythology surrounding the
temple, including the story of the demon king Mahishasura and his defeat by the
goddess, which is commemorated during the Dussehra festival.
- Temple Architecture: The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture
and features a 40-feet tall tower (Shikhara) adorned with intricate carvings of
gods and goddesses. The students were briefed about the temple’s 12th-century
history, its importance in the region’s religious life, and the ritual practices
conducted at the temple.
- Panoramic Views: After visiting the temple, students spent some time
exploring the surroundings and enjoying the breathtaking views of Mysore from
the top of Chamundi Hill.
Lunch Break:
After the palace visit, the group had lunch at a nearby restaurant, offering local
Mysorean cuisine such as South meals and Mysore Pak.
Afternoon Session: Mysore Palace
- Arrival at Mysore Palace: We reached the palace complex around 12.00 am.
Students were given a guided tour of the palace, which lasted for about 4 hours.
Highlights of Mysore Palace
- History and Significance: The guide shared fascinating details about the
Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the kingdom of Mysore from the 14th century.
The palace, originally built in 1399, was renovated in the 19th century and
reflects the grandeur of the royal family.
- Architectural Design: The palace is an exquisite example of Indo-Saracenic
architecture, with elements from Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles. The
group learned about the blend of these architectural styles and how they
symbolized the amalgamation of various cultural influences.
- Interior Tour: Students visited various rooms, including the Darbar Hall,
Kalyana Mandapa, and the Private Durbar. The intricate frescoes, royal artifacts,
and the iconic Ambavilasa Hall (also known as the Golden Room) were of
particular interest.
- Cultural Artifacts: The group was shown important relics from the Wodeyar
era, including weapons, royal attire, and art collections. The Jewel Gallery was
one of the highlights, showcasing the richness of the royal family’s treasures.
Return to College: The group descended the hill and began the journey back to
college, concluding the day’s visit.
4. Key Learnings and Insights
- Historical Significance of Mysore Palace:
The trip to Mysore Palace allowed students to understand the historical context
of the Wodeyar dynasty and their contributions to the cultural and architectural
development of the region. The palace’s unique architecture and its role as a
symbol of royal power were key takeaways.
- Architectural Styles:
The Indo-Saracenic architectural style of the palace was particularly
fascinating. Students observed the integration of various elements such as
domes, arches, and minarets, which reflect the influences of Mughal, Gothic,
and Indian traditional styles.
- Religious and Cultural Importance of Chamundi Hill:
The visit to Chamundi Hill and the Chamundeshwari Temple highlighted the
deep spiritual and religious significance of the site. The mythological story of
Mahishasura and the goddess Chamundeshwari, as well as the role of the temple
in the Dussehra festival, provided students with a rich understanding of regional
folklore and traditions.
- Environmental and Scenic Beauty:
The journey to Chamundi Hill offered students a glimpse into the natural
beauty of the region, with views of the city and surrounding landscape from the
hilltop. The trip also provided an opportunity to discuss the preservation of both
natural and cultural heritage.
5. Challenges Faced
- Weather Conditions:
The weather was warm, and the uphill climb to the Chamundeshwari Temple
was physically demanding for some students. It would have been better if the
trip were scheduled during cooler months or if more breaks were given during
the climb.
- Time Constraints:
Due to the time-sensitive nature of the itinerary, the group had limited time at
each location. A more leisurely schedule would have allowed students to
explore the palace and temple more thoroughly.
-Traffic Issues:
Since Bangalore-Myore are two major cities. Thus, the connectivity is throught
single main road, thus it can get conjusted during peak hours. Thus, consider
about the traffic while travel.
6. Conclusion
The study trip to Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill was an enriching
experience for all participants. The visit allowed students to gain firsthand
exposure to historical, architectural, and religious elements that are integral to
the cultural fabric of Karnataka. The trip succeeded in fulfilling its educational
objectives and gave students the opportunity to engage with Indian heritage in a
meaningful way. Overall, the excursion was a valuable learning experience that
enhanced the students’ understanding of India's royal history and religious
traditions.
7. Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the faculty and tour guides who made this trip possible,
especially our political science sir for their insightful commentary on the history
and significance of Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill. Special thanks to the
local authorities and staff for ensuring the smooth conduct of the visit.
Submitted by:
Om Rajput
22D4045
B.A III
