In 1875, Jayaji Rao Scindia installed some extra fixtures in his palace to prepare it for a visit by the prince of Wales and his retinue of 1000. Having learned the size of Buckingham palace’s largest chandeliers, he placed an order in Venice for two bigger ones for his Durbar Hall. They weighed about 4 tonnes each, so the Maharaja tested the ceiling strength using 8 or 10 elephants, using a 1650 foot ramp (or a crane). He also had a Silver toy train that chugged around the table dispensing post prandial cigars and brandy.

Interesting facts :

The imposing Durbar Hall has two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture from France and Italy are some of its features.

Treasures :

Eye catching treasures include: a silver train with cut glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna on each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Emperors Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. These are, besides, personal mementoes of past members of the Scindia family: the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.