Mysuru: The erstwhile Mysore Royal Family is rebuilding the historic Bettada Aramane atop Chamundi Hill, close to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, restoring a palace that once played an important role in the family’s religious and traditional ceremonies. The old structure had deteriorated over the years and was eventually demolished, with reconstruction now being undertaken in a traditional architectural style with modern amenities.
The reconstruction has been taken up by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the Mysore Royal Family. The new structure is being developed broadly in the architectural style of the original Bettada Aramane while incorporating features suited to present-day requirements.
Bettada Aramane dates back around 200 years
According to the report, the original Bettada Aramane was built by the Mysore Maharajas around 200 years ago near the Chamundeshwari Temple. The palace predates the better-known Rajendra Vilas Palace located atop Chamundi Hill.
The palace served a specific purpose for the Royal Family during important religious occasions. Members of the family would stay there during events such as the Chamundeshwari Rathotsava, or car festival, anniversaries and other traditional rituals.
The palace also offered the Royal Family a vantage point to watch the temple chariot procession from its balcony. Its location close to the temple made it an important part of the family’s participation in religious ceremonies on Chamundi Hill.
Palace later became a government school
Over the years, the Royal Family stopped using the palace for its original purpose. Subsequently, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar donated the premises for use as a Government School for children living on Chamundi Hill.
The school functioned from the palace premises until around 1994, and hundreds of children studied there during its years of operation.
The change in use gave the historic building a new role in the local community. However, the condition of the structure gradually deteriorated.
Wooden structure weakened with age and termites
A major portion of Bettada Aramane had been constructed using wood. Over the years, ageing and termite infestation weakened the structure considerably.
As parts of the building deteriorated and began posing a safety risk, the school was shifted to another location. The palace subsequently fell into disrepair.
The condition of the property became a concern not only because of the deterioration of the building but also because of the changes taking place around the premises.
According to the Star of Mysore report, the approximately 120-foot-long palace premises had also faced encroachment from neighbouring properties. This raised concerns that the historic structure and its surrounding land could eventually be lost.
Royal family decides to reconstruct the palace
Against this backdrop, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar decided to remove the remaining portions of the old structure and rebuild Bettada Aramane.
The reconstruction is being carried out broadly in the traditional architectural style of the original palace, while adding modern facilities to meet present-day requirements.
The project therefore combines the preservation of the palace’s architectural identity with the practical requirements of a contemporary building.
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar told Star of Mysore that the palace had fallen into ruin and that the family was now reconstructing it for its own use. She also stated that the land is private property.
Historic connection with Chamundeshwari Temple
Bettada Aramane’s significance is closely linked to its location near the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, one of Mysuru’s most prominent religious landmarks.
The palace provided the Royal Family with a place to stay during important temple-related occasions and enabled members to participate in traditional ceremonies on the hill. The connection with the Chamundeshwari Temple also reflects the long-standing relationship between the Mysore Royal Family and the religious traditions associated with Chamundi Hill.
The reconstruction consequently brings attention to a lesser-known historic structure associated with the city’s royal heritage.
New palace to retain traditional character
While the original building could not be preserved in its deteriorated condition, the reconstruction aims to retain its traditional character.
The new Bettada Aramane is being built with architectural elements inspired by the earlier structure, while modern amenities are being incorporated. This approach is intended to give the building a contemporary function without completely moving away from its historic identity.
The project also comes at a time when Mysuru is preparing for its annual Dasara celebrations, during which the city’s royal history and heritage receive considerable public attention.
A new chapter for Bettada Aramane
For nearly two centuries, Bettada Aramane has been associated with the Royal Family’s presence on Chamundi Hill. Its later transformation into a school and subsequent deterioration marked a significant change in the building’s history.
The reconstruction now marks another chapter in that story. Rather than leaving the remains of the old palace to further deteriorate, the Royal Family has undertaken to rebuild the structure while retaining its traditional architectural character.
With the new Bettada Aramane taking shape near the Chamundeshwari Temple, the historic site is set to regain a visible presence on Chamundi Hill while serving the contemporary requirements of the Royal Family.