FACELIFT: The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion in Mysore is being developed into a museum complex. — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

MYSORE: The Union Government has approved Rs. 44.4 lakh for the development of Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, a heritage structure and a jewel in the crown of Mysore, into a museum complex.

A proposal was sent some time ago to the Government and approved recently. Sources said the first instalment comprising Rs. 33.3 lakh had been released and according to the project proposal the University of Mysore should release 20 per cent by way of matching grant.

The funds will be utilised for the embellishment and renovation of the structure, which was restored with the help of funds provided by Infosys Foundation seven years ago.

The university has commenced the process of converting it into a museum complex and priceless collections of artefacts, some of them dating back to at least 800 years, have been given a new lease of life and displayed in the galleries.

Reckoned to be the first university in the country to have a museum complex and one of the few in the countries to have an exclusive museum, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion already houses an archaeological museum apart from the folklore museum while a gallery dedicated to Kannada litterateurs is in the process of being completed.

The university purchased the mansion and nearly 300 acres of land surrounding it for Rs. 10 lakh in December 1959 to establish the postgraduate campus of Manasagangotri. Subsequently the exquisite mansion fell into disuse and was on the verge of a collapse. The Infosys Foundation funded its restoration and sanctioned Rs. 1.17 crore for the purpose.

The mansion is a masterpiece and an architect's delight with 125 rooms, 300 windows and 287 exquisitely carved doors.

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