Step inside Maharani Priyadarshini Raje Scindia's Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior, home to world’s largest chandeliers

Updated on: Sep 12, 2025, 14:38:28 IST

By Krishna Pallavi Priya

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The luxurious Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior, built in 1874, is a European architectural masterpiece.

Constructed in 1874, the Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior blends European styles and opulence. It boasts lush gardens, intricate frescoes, and historical artefacts.

Constructed in 1874 by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia of the Maratha Scindia dynasty and the then-Maharaja of the Princely State of Gwalior, the Jai Vilas Palace is no ordinary residence. It was established to welcome Prince George and Princess Mary of Wales, who were due to visit two years later.

Also Read | Step inside Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad's Lukshmi Vilas Palace, the largest private residence in the world

In a YouTube video shared on September 2 by Robb Report India, the erstwhile royal family of Gwalior, Maharani Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman Rao Scindia gave a grand tour of their abode.

Inside the Jaio Vilas Palace in Gwalior

The Jai Villas Palace was designed by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Michael Filose. Constructed in sandstone and painted in brilliant white, the three-storeyed palace is built in three architectural styles: the Tuscan first storey, an Italian Doric second storey, and a third storey inspired by Corinthian design.

According to the official website of Jai Vilas Palace, unlike other palaces in India, it has minimal Indo-Saracenic features and is a European masterpiece living in the heart of India.

Home to the world’s largest pair of chandeliers

The 19th-century palace is managed by nearly 400 staff members. Per Sotheby's Realty, spread over close to 30 acres, the Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior is luxury at its finest.

It is home to stunning features, including large, luscious gardens, colourful frescoes painted on the walls, ornate gold carvings, European and a few other paintings documenting the rich lineage of the Gwalior dynasty, vintage furniture, a stunning dining area, and luxurious carpets. Additionally, the palace is said to be the home to the world’s largest pair of chandeliers.

Apart from the private residence, the West and South wings of the palace have been converted into a museum in memory of Maharaja Sir Jiwaji Rao Scindia, the last Maharaja of the Princely State of Gwalior. They enable glimpses of art, culture and Maratha history, and of the lifestyle of the Scindia Dynasty of Gwalior.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krishna Pallavi Priya
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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