The Mysore Maharaja's Saloon
Royal luxury and comfort, from the days when the Maharaja’s writ ran across Mysore state.
By National Rail Museum
National Rail Museum
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The luxurious design of the Mysore Maharaja's Saloon says much about the exuberant lifestyle of the past royals of India.
Built in 1899 at the Bangalore workshop of Mysore State Railway, this saloon was a part of a special three-coach train used by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar of Mysore and his family. The other coaches - for the Maharani and dining-cum-kitchen car - of the train are preserved at the Mysore Rail Museum.
The Maharaja of Mysore's State EmblemNational Rail Museum
The state emblem on the Saloon is proof of the fact that this was indeed the royal coach.
The Maharaja Of Mysore's Royal SaloonNational Rail Museum
Built on the underframe supplied by M/s Hurst Nelson of U.K, a unique feature of this carriage was that it could be run on both broad gauge (5’6”) as well as meter gauge.
Furthermore, this could be accomplished during the journey without disturbing the distinguished occupants of the bogies.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Exterior Verandah and VestibuleNational Rail Museum
This particular coach is a wooden bodied eight wheeler, with a steel under-frame. It has a vestibule system to enable it to be connected with rest of the train.
It was, in fact, one of the earliest vestibule coaches to be used in India.
Restoration
The Mysore Maharaja's Saloon has been restored almost to perfection at the museum, complete with all original furnishings, upholstery and electrical fittings.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - During Restoration The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - During Restoration (1899)National Rail Museum
Many steps are involved in the repair of a locomotive like the Maharaja's saloon.
First, the locomotive exteriors are prepared for a repaint job. The old paint is scraped off and any broken joints are repaired.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - During RestorationNational Rail Museum
The vestibule of the Saloon is also redone.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Interior Ceiling and Electrical FittingsNational Rail Museum
The interiors of the Saloon's bedroom - wooden panels, furniture, decorative pieces, electrical work and lighting - are repaired and polished.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Interior The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Interior (1899)National Rail Museum
A view on the other side of the room, which is fitted with a foldable sink.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Interior LavatoryNational Rail Museum
These original fittings in the Saloon's washroom were repaired and restored, to bring it as close to its original state as possible.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Interior PassageNational Rail Museum
A passage way leading into another sitting room.
These coaches were spacious, designed to approach the comforts its royal occupants were accustomed to.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - During RestorationNational Rail Museum
Finally, finishing the paint job on the exterior of the Saloon.
The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Exterior Verandah and VestibuleNational Rail Museum
The newly painted verandah and vestibule of the Saloon.
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The Saloon, now restored to its original glory, is on display at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi.
Take a virtual walk around this treasure of India's rail history.
