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Kanch Mandir-
Inside this Jain Temple thousands of mirrors adorn the walls, floor and ceilings,
supplemented by brightly patterned ceramic adorn the walls, floor and ceilings,
supplemented by brightly patterned ceramic tiles, Chinese lantern -type glass lamps and
cut glass chandeliers. All are exquisitely crafted. There are 50 or so crafted. There are
50 or so murals depicting scenes of conversion to Jainism. The use of glass beads and
raised figures produced a pleasing 3-D effect. This mirrored palace is at variance with
the austerity and simplicity of the Mahaviras supposed existence and teachings. |
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Lal
Bagh (The Nehru Center) Once the residence of the Maharajas, built and decorated in a confusion
style, it is now a museum and culture center named after Indias first Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru. There are separate Indian and western dining rooms, billiard room, a
sprung wooden dance floor, stained glass, painted ceilings, gilt that ultimate act of
fealty, a statue of Queen Victoria, on the lawns. There are a number of sporting trophies
including stuffed tigers in the atrium and on the landings. A blend of Italian villa,
French chateau, traditional motifs and modern conveniences, the Lal Bagh palace is indeed
a statement of riotous Victorian eclecticism not surprising, perhaps for a ruler who
supported the British. |