Mysore history

Legends and Historic Beginnings

The history of Mysore is closely interwoven with ancient Indian mythology. According to legends, the city's name is derived from the name of the demon Mahishasura, who ruled these lands until he was defeated by the Goddess Chamundeshwari. Initially, the place was called "Mahishasura Uru" (City of Mahishasura), which over time transformed into the modern sound — Mysore.

The actual founding of the city as a political centre is linked to the year 1399. It was then that Yaduraya Wodeyar established the Wodeyar dynasty, which played a decisive role in the region's destiny. In the first centuries of its existence, Mysore was a small principality under the vassalage of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Mysore from a small settlement into the capital of an influential kingdom was driven by several reasons:

• Geography and Religion: The city is situated at the foot of Chamundi Hill, which served as an important spiritual centre and a natural landmark. Proximity to the Kaveri River provided the region with water resources for agriculture.
• Political Vacuum: After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565, the rulers of Mysore seized the opportunity, declared sovereignty, and began actively expanding their domains.
• Transfer of Capital: The city's status grew significantly when it became the official residence of the rulers, attracting administrative resources and nobility.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the early stages of development, Mysore began to form its unique cultural code. The region's economy relied not only on agriculture but also on the development of crafts, including weaving and sandalwood processing.

A pivotal cultural event was the commencement of the Dasara festival celebrations in 1610 by decree of Raja Wodeyar I. This tradition turned the city into a centre of attraction for pilgrims and traders, while royal patronage fostered the flourishing of arts, architecture, and literature, cementing Mysore's reputation as the cultural capital of Karnataka.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1399 — Yaduraya Wodeyar founds the dynasty and the principality, laying the foundation for the future city.
• 1610 — Ruler Raja Wodeyar I moves the capital to Srirangapatna and institutes the grand celebration of the Dasara festival.
• 1761 — De facto power passes to Hyder Ali, under whom a period of significant expansion and strengthening of the state begins.
• 1799 — Following the end of Tipu Sultan's era, the Wodeyar dynasty returns to the throne, and Mysore once again becomes the capital of the principality.
• 1831 — The British administration moves the administrative centre to Bangalore, yet Mysore retains its status as the royal residence.
• 1881 — The "Rendition" occurs, returning the administration of the principality to the hands of the Wodeyar dynasty.
• 1897 — The old wooden palace is completely destroyed by fire during wedding festivities, leading to the decision to build a new structure.
• 1912 — Construction is completed on the majestic Amba Vilas Palace, which became an architectural jewel of India.
• 1916 — The University of Mysore is founded, becoming the first institution of higher learning in the state of Karnataka.
• 1947 — Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar signs the instrument of accession of the principality to the newly independent India.
• 1973 — The State of Mysore is renamed Karnataka, while the city remains a vital cultural and historical centre of the region.
• 2014 — The government officially approves the change of the city's English name from Mysore to Mysuru.

Stages of Development and Modernisation

Mysore has journeyed from a princely capital to a modern hub of information technology and tourism. The key stages of its development are linked less to conquests and more to the visionary reforms of its rulers and urban planning innovations.

• Creation of the City Improvement Trust Board (1903): Mysore became one of the first cities in Asia to establish a dedicated urban planning body (City Improvement Trust Board).
  Significance: This laid the foundation for wide streets, a well-thought-out drainage system, and park zones, thanks to which Mysore is still considered one of the cleanest and greenest cities in India.
• Electrification (1908): The city was a pioneer in introducing electricity to the region.
  Significance: The advent of street lighting and the electrification of the palace not only improved the quality of life but also stimulated industrial development.
• Architectural Renaissance (1912): Completion of the new Amba Vilas Palace in the Indo-Saracenic style.
  Significance: The palace became the city's dominant landmark and a major tourist magnet, around which the modern hospitality infrastructure formed.
• Industrialisation of Traditional Crafts (1916–1932): Opening of the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory and the Silk Weaving Factory.
  Significance: These enterprises turned cottage industries into powerful brands. "Mysore Silk" and "Mysore Sandal" received Geographical Indication (GI) status, becoming the backbone of exports.
• Educational Breakthrough (1916): Foundation of the University of Mysore, the first in India outside territories under direct British rule.
  Significance: The city secured its status as an intellectual capital, attracting students and scholars from across the country, which created a high level of human capital.
• Hydro-technical Revolution (1924): Construction of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam and the creation of Brindavan Gardens.
  Significance: The dam solved irrigation and water supply problems for the growing city, while the gardens became a major recreational facility, boosting the region's tourism appeal.
• Development of the IT Sector (2000s): Construction of the Infosys campus and development of technology parks.
  Significance: Mysore transformed into an important Tier-2 IT hub, allowing for economic diversification and reducing reliance solely on tourism and agriculture.

Architectural Eclecticism and the "City of Palaces"

The architectural appearance of Mysore is unique in that ancient Indian traditions, Islamic motifs, and European styles are harmoniously interwoven here. Unlike many Indian cities that grew chaotically, Mysore developed according to a plan, especially in the early 20th century, transforming into a city of wide boulevards, majestic arches, and palace complexes.

Indo-Saracenic Style (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

This style became the city's calling card during its heyday under the last rulers of the Wodeyar dynasty. It combines elements of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic architecture.

• Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas): The main symbol of the city, built by British architect Henry Irwin. It is a masterpiece of the Indo-Saracenic style with marble domes, carved arches, and towers. The interiors are adorned with stained glass, mosaics, and teak wood.
• Public Institutions: Many administrative buildings, such as the District Court, are also designed in this solemn style, emphasising the city's status as a princely capital.

European Styles: Neo-Gothic and Renaissance

The influence of the British presence and the cosmopolitan tastes of the Maharajas led to the appearance of buildings that would look organic in London or Rome.

• St. Philomena's Cathedral (Neo-Gothic): One of the tallest churches in India, built in the 1930s. Its architecture is inspired by Cologne Cathedral: towering spires, lancet windows, and stained glass create an atmosphere of medieval Europe in the middle of an Indian city.
• Lalitha Mahal (Renaissance): A snow-white palace built for the Viceroy of India. The building, with its majestic dome and Ionic columns, emulates the style of St. Paul's Cathedral in London and Italian palazzos.
• Crawford Hall (Greco-Roman Style): The University of Mysore building with massive columns and pediments, symbolising academic rigour and enlightenment.

Traditional Dravidian Architecture

The most ancient layer of Mysore's architecture is represented by temple construction characteristic of South India.

• Chamundeshwari Temple: Located on Chamundi Hill, the temple is famous for its seven-story Gopuram (tower gateway), decorated with intricate sculptural reliefs. This is a classic example of the Dravidian style.
• Palace Complex Temples: Within the grounds of the main palace, several ancient temples (such as Shweta Varahaswamy) have survived fires and reconstructions, preserving the spirit of medieval architecture.

Urban Planning Heritage

Mysore is often called the first planned city of modern India. The establishment of the City Improvement Trust Board in 1903 defined its structure:

• Street Geometry: The city is designed with wide, straight avenues lined with trees, providing natural ventilation and shade.
• Squares and Roundabouts: Important intersections are designed as circular squares ("circles"), often adorned with statues or fountains (for example, Krishnaraja Circle), giving the city a ceremonial look.
• Zoning: Clear separation into palace, residential, and park zones helped avoid the congestion characteristic of many Asian metropolises.

Rulers and Statesmen

• Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (1884–1940)
  Maharaja of Mysore
  Often called the "creator of modern Mysore". During his reign, the city transformed into an advanced centre of industry and education. He initiated the construction of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, founded the University of Mysore, and facilitated the region's electrification. Mahatma Gandhi called him "Rajarishi" (Saintly King) for his enlightened rule.
• Tipu Sultan (1750–1799)
  Ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore
  Known as the "Tiger of Mysore", he was a key figure in the resistance against British colonisation in South India. Although his capital was in neighbouring Srirangapatna, his rule had a tremendous impact on the entire region. Tipu Sultan is known for introducing military innovations, including the use of iron-cased rockets in battle, and developing sericulture, which became a hallmark of the local economy.
• Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar (1919–1974)
  The last ruling Maharaja of Mysore
  A distinguished philosopher, musicologist, and politician. He signed the agreement for the principality's accession to the Indian Union and became the first Governor of the unified state. He was a renowned patron of the arts and a talented composer of Carnatic music, creating around 94 compositions.

Science and Engineering

• Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962)
  Engineer, Diwan (Prime Minister) of Mysore
  One of the greatest engineers in Indian history. He designed the famous Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam and Brindavan Gardens, which saved the region from droughts and floods. His visionary policy as Diwan laid the foundation for the city's industrialisation, including the creation of the Bank of Mysore and the Sandalwood Factory.

Literature and Art

• R.K. Narayan (1906–2001)
  Writer
  One of the most famous Indian writers in English. He lived a significant part of his life in Mysore, and it was the atmosphere of this city that inspired him to create the fictional town of Malgudi, the setting for his famous stories and novels. His home in the Yadavagiri district has now been converted into a museum.
• Kuvempu (K.V. Puttappa) (1904–1994)
  Poet, Writer, Playwright
  A giant of Kannada literature and the first recipient of the prestigious Jnanpith Award from Karnataka. He was a professor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore. His work played a key role in popularising the Kannada language, and his philosophical concept of "Vishwa Manava" (Universal Man) remains an important cultural legacy.
• Veena Sheshanna (1852–1926)
  Musician
  A legendary performer on the Veena (a traditional string instrument) at the court of the Maharajas. He is considered one of the greatest virtuosos of Carnatic music. His skill was so profound that King George V was captivated by his performance during a visit to India, and a portrait of the musician still hangs in Buckingham Palace.