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Golden Howdah

The Golden Howdah, known as Chinnada Ambari in , is an ornate, gold-plated carriage mounted on the back of a lead during the climactic Jamboo Savari procession of the festival in Mysuru, , . Constructed primarily from and audumbar wood and sheathed in approximately 80 kg of filigreed gold sheets, it weighs about 750 kg in total and features intricate carvings, a canopy with five kalashas, ivory-handled fly whisks, and silver embellishments, serving as a seat for the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Historically, the Golden Howdah was crafted over a century ago by goldsmiths under the of Swarnakala Nipuna Singannachar before the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (1894–1940), who later added further gold decorations to enhance its opulence. It was originally used by the for royal processions during and birthday celebrations, symbolizing the kingdom's wealth and devotion. Following the abolition of the in 1971, which ended the Maharajas' ceremonial privileges, the howdah's role shifted to carrying the deity's idol, a tradition upheld by the state government despite debates over due to its substantial weight on the . In the modern , celebrated annually in September–October, the Golden Howdah leads a 5.5 km procession from to Bannimantap Grounds on , the festival's final day, accompanied by caparisoned s, folk troupes, and musicians. The lead , selected for strength and temperament, undergoes rigorous training; notable carriers include (2012–2019) and , a male approximately 60 years old as of 2025, who carried it from 2020 to 2025 without incident. Abhimanyu's final carry was in 2025; a successor is being considered for future years. Housed in the Gombe Thotti of when not in use, the howdah remains under the custodianship of the Wadiyar royal family, embodying the enduring legacy of Mysuru's royal and religious traditions.

History

Origins and Construction

The Golden Howdah, known as Chinnada Ambari in , was constructed during the reign of Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (r. 1895–1940), though the exact date is unknown. This opulent elephant-mounted carriage was crafted by Swarnakala Nipuna Singannacharya, a master , to serve as a symbol of royal splendor. Its core consists of a sturdy wooden framework, meticulously shaped into a multi-tiered pavilion-like structure, which was then overlaid with approximately 80 kilograms of filigreed sheets to achieve a total weight of around 750 kilograms. The construction of the Golden Howdah was deeply rooted in the Wodeyar dynasty's efforts to revive and elevate the traditions of the festival, which had been suppressed during the rule of and his son in the late . Following the defeat of in 1799 and the restoration of five-year-old Mummadi to the throne by the , the Wodeyars reinstated the grand Hindu rituals of , including processions that symbolized the victory of good over evil and the monarchy's divine authority. The Howdah was designed specifically as a royal seat for these processions, allowing the to lead the Jamboo Savari while carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, thereby linking the artifact to the dynasty's post-1799 cultural resurgence. Since its creation, the Golden Howdah has been integral to the celebrations, with its first uses documented in the early 20th-century processions under Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, underscoring the Wodeyars' commitment to preserving Hindu monarchical customs amid colonial influences.

Evolution Under Mysore Rulers

The tradition in evolved during the reign of (r. 1799–1868), following the shift of the Mysore capital from to city, where the traditional pulled by six was replaced by an elephant-mounted for enhanced ceremonial mobility during celebrations. This change marked an evolution from earlier Vijayanagara-era practices, integrating the more prominently into to symbolize the kingdom's and grandeur. Under Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (r. 1895–1940), known as Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar after his 1902 assumption of full powers, the received a major upgrade to a solid gold-plated wooden structure capable of seating three individuals, including the and select family members, improving its aesthetic splendor and structural integrity for prolonged use. This renewal, overseen during his rule's "golden age" of , involved refinements to the wooden core for better load distribution, ensuring stability during the elephant-mounted processions. The was employed not only in the annual Jamboo Savari but also in royal birthday celebrations, underscoring its role as a multifaceted emblem of Wadiyar authority until the . Following India's independence in 1947, the transitioned into the post-monarchical era under the titular Wodeyars, with (r. 1940–1950) as the last ruling before the kingdom's integration into the Union as . By the 1950s, as (formerly ) formalized statehood in 1956, the Golden Howdah evolved into a prominent state symbol, retained for public festivities under government oversight while the royal family maintained ceremonial ties. , continuing as titular head until 1971, was the final royal to occupy the howdah in 1969, after which the idol of Chamundeshwari assumed its central place, solidifying its enduring cultural significance.

Design and Features

Materials and Structure

The Golden Howdah weighs approximately 750 kg in total, comprising a sturdy wooden core made from and audumbar wood that forms the and frame to support the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. This core structure is meticulously covered with filigreed sheets weighing around 80 kg, applied to create a durable and ornate exterior suitable for mounting on the back of a large . Key structural features include a raised platform at the center for securely placing the idol.

Ornamentation and Symbolism

The Golden Howdah features intricate carvings that draw from and Mysore's royal heritage, including depictions of deities and floral motifs that evoke and natural abundance. These elements are supported by three exquisitely carved wooden pillars that form the base of a domed canopy, crowned with five kalashas representing prosperity and auspiciousness in Hindu tradition. The howdah's surface is sheathed in approximately 80 kilograms of filigreed sheets, executed with fine techniques that highlight delicate patterns and royal insignia, underscoring the opulence of 's craftsmanship. It also includes ivory-handled fly whisks and silver embellishments. As a mobile , the Golden Howdah embodies the Wodeyar rulers' profound devotion to Chamundeshwari, the fierce patron of Mysore, transforming it into a sacred vessel that conveys her protective presence during the . The integration of these symbolic decorations elevates the howdah beyond mere , positioning it as a living testament to spiritual sovereignty and cultural continuity.

Role in Mysore Dasara

The Jamboo Savari Procession

The Jamboo Savari, also known as Jumbo Savari, is the grand finale of the festival, held annually on , the tenth and culminating day of the ten-day celebration. This procession symbolizes the victory of good over evil and features the Golden Howdah as its centerpiece, mounted on the lead elephant and carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. It commences in the afternoon from the gates of and proceeds through the city's historic streets to the Bannimantap grounds, where the idol is offered prayers before being returned to the atop Chamundi Hill. The procession covers a route of approximately 5 kilometers, winding past key landmarks such as K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road, and Ashoka Road, allowing thousands of spectators to witness the spectacle from along the barricaded pathways. In 2025, the Nandi Dhwaja commenced at 1:00 p.m., with the grand starting at 4:42 p.m. and lasting approximately three hours. The parade includes around 14 caparisoned elephants, led by the principal tusker bearing the 750-kg Golden Howdah, flanked by others carrying tableaux and dignitaries. Accompanying the elephants are vibrant folk troupes performing traditional dances like and veera gase, along with musical ensembles and military contingents from the State Police, who execute synchronized drills and band performances to add pomp and discipline. Logistical preparations for the Jamboo Savari begin months in advance, with elephants sourced from forest camps in and other reserves arriving in 50 to 55 days prior for acclimatization and training. The lead elephant, such as (2012–2019) and —a 59-year-old from Mattigodu camp who carried the in 2025 for the sixth and final time—undergoes rigorous rehearsals, including practice marches along the route and load-bearing exercises with a wooden replica of the to simulate the 750-kg weight. Securing the Golden Howdah involves skilled forest officers and mahouts using sturdy ropes and harnesses to fasten it firmly to the elephant's back, ensuring stability during the slow-paced procession; commands in a mix of , , and guide the animals, while veterinary teams monitor their health to prevent stress.

Associated Rituals and Traditions

Prior to the Jamboo Savari , the Utsava Murthy (procession idol) of Goddess Chamundeshwari is transported from the on Chamundi Hill to the in a ceremonial , accompanied by rituals such as Rudrabhisheka, Panchamrutabhisheka, and Kunkumarchane performed by temple . Upon arrival at through the Aane Bagilu gate, the idol is installed in the Golden Howdah, where conduct additional poojas, including Pushpalankara (adorning with flowers) and invocations for blessings, symbolizing divine protection for the ensuing . These ceremonies, overseen by the chief priest, prepare the Howdah as a sacred for the goddess, ensuring spiritual sanctity before mounting it on the lead elephant. A key tradition during the Jamboo Savari involves the mahout guiding the lead elephant, which bears the Golden Howdah, solely through vocal Kannada commands without the use of reins, demonstrating a profound bond of trust and harmony between human and animal. Commands such as "baa" (come), "hogu" (go), "kooru" (sit), and "shabhash" (praise) are issued by experienced mahouts from communities like the Soliga and Kadu Kuruba, who train the elephants over weeks to respond instinctively during the procession. This reins-free method underscores the ceremonial emphasis on mutual understanding and reverence for nature, preserving an age-old practice that highlights the elephant's disciplined role in the festival. Following the conclusion of the Jamboo Savari at Banni Mantap, the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is removed from the Golden Howdah and returned to the on Chamundi Hill, often via a palanquin or vehicle, accompanied by devotional chants and final poojas to mark the end of her "victory journey" commemorating the triumph over the demon . This return ritual reinforces the Howdah's significance as the chariot of divine victory, allowing the goddess to resume her abode while devotees offer gratitude for the blessings invoked during . The use of the Golden Howdah in traces back to historical customs initiated by the in 1610, when began annual celebrations to honor the goddess, including royal participation in and durbars that symbolized sovereignty and devotion. Under later rulers like Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the king himself rode in the during the , a practice that evolved post-1947 with the abolition of princely states, where state officials now lead public ceremonies while the conducts private rituals. This adaptation has sustained the Howdah as a living emblem of continuity since the 1610s, blending monarchical heritage with contemporary state patronage to preserve the festival's cultural essence.

Preservation and Significance

Maintenance and Storage

The Golden Howdah is stored in the northern-most bay of the Gombe Thotti, or doll pavilion, within , where it remains on public display under police protection when not in use for processions. The structure's upkeep falls under the purview of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, , which manages and its heritage assets, including conservation initiatives for artifacts like the howdah. Following each procession, officials conduct inspections to ensure the howdah's integrity; for instance, after the 2012 event, authorities confirmed it was intact with no damage reported. Notable repairs have included addressing slight damage to the gold plating in 2016 during transfer to a secure storage area, and minor repairs in December 2024 that temporarily restricted public access.

Cultural and Modern Importance

The Golden Howdah plays a central role in the ongoing efforts to nominate the festival for UNESCO's Representative List of the of Humanity, with nominations submitted by the government as early as 2014 and renewed pushes in subsequent years, emphasizing the Howdah's embodiment of royal traditions and communal unity. Although not yet inscribed, these initiatives underscore the Howdah's status as a living emblem of 's cultural continuity, preserved through annual rituals that blend devotion, artistry, and spectacle. As Karnataka's state festival, , highlighted by the Golden Howdah procession, significantly bolsters tourism, drawing over five million visitors to Mysuru annually and generating substantial economic activity through associated fairs, exhibitions, and hospitality services. During the ten-day event itself, hundreds of thousands flock to witness the Jamboo Savari, contributing to hotel occupancies nearing 100% and hotel earnings exceeding Rs 100 . In contemporary times, the Golden Howdah inspires modern adaptations that extend its reach while upholding authenticity, including live telecasts and online streams of the procession on platforms like and , allowing global audiences to experience the event. Educational replicas, such as wooden models of the and palace displayed at exhibitions, serve to inform visitors about its historical craftsmanship, while innovative elements like drone shows depicting cultural motifs complement traditional displays without altering core practices. Post-independence, the Golden Howdah symbolizes Karnataka's enduring royal heritage within a democratic , prominently featured in national cultural promotions and documentaries that highlight regional diversity. It continues to evoke pride in state identity, bridging historical grandeur with modern narratives through its annual showcase of artistry and unity.

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