Ambari and throne are private family properties, says Pramoda Devi Wadiyar
The erstwhile royal family member clarified that the state government pays royalty rather than rent for using the Golden Howdah.
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar stated on Wednesday that the Golden Howdah, known as the Ambari, and the royal throne are private assets of the Wadiyar family. Speaking at a press meet at her Mysuru Palace residence, she told The New Indian Express that these items do not belong to the state government.
Ms. Wadiyar explained that the Karnataka government pays royalty, not rent, for using the Ambari during the annual Jamboo Savari. She said the government uses the family's property for promotional purposes and commercial exploitation, such as selling tickets for the procession and using the Ambari in publicity materials for the Nada Habba.
The royal family member also addressed recent tensions regarding Dasara arrangements. She noted that police restrictions at two palace gates inconvenienced religious ceremonies like Ayudha Puja and the Vijay Yatra. She also expressed displeasure that Forest Department officials did not consult the family when selecting the elephant for this year's Ambari.
Regarding palace ownership, Ms. Wadiyar mentioned that the Mysore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1998, is currently being challenged in court. She noted that the family's appeal against the legislation is pending before the Supreme Court.
Minister in-charge of Mysuru district Yathindra Siddaramaiah had recently stated that the state government paid Rs 80 lakh to the erstwhile royal family for the use of the Ambari during the Jamboo Savari held on October 21.