The history of Mysore spans 600 years from Yaduraya Wadiyar establishing the kingdom in 1399 to today’s IT hub status, encompassing royal glory, military innovations, and cultural renaissance. The Wadiyars ruled 550 years (with Hyder-Tipu’s 38-year interregnum), making them India’s longest-serving dynasty after Kashmir’s Dogras. Visit Mysore Palace’s Kalyana Mantapa where portraits of 25 Wadiyar kings hang chronologically, and you trace Karnataka’s transformation from medieval kingdom to modern state.
Foundation and Early Wadiyar Period (1399-1600)
Yaduraya Wadiyar, feudatory of Vijayanagara Empire, received Mysore as gift for killing Maranayaka, a local chieftain terrorizing the region. The original Mysore Fort (Puragiri, now Nazarbad area) became capital. Early Wadiyars – Chamaraja I, Timmaraja, Chamaraja II – consolidated territory through strategic marriages, military campaigns.
Raja Wadiyar I (1578-1617) transformed Mysore from jagir to independent kingdom after Vijayanagara’s fall (1565). He captured Srirangapatna from Tirumala, making it capital for defensive advantages – Kaveri River providing natural moat. The revenue system, administrative divisions (jahgirs), and military organization established then continued until 1950.
Golden Age and Expansion (1600-1760)
Kanteerava Narasaraja I (1638-1659) expanded territory to 80,000 sq km, reaching Western Ghats, Salem, and Coimbatore. His patronage of arts earned title ‘Sahitya Ratna’. The famous Kanteerava stadium commemorates his wrestling prowess – he defeated 40 wrestlers in single day.
Chikka Devaraja Wadiyar (1673-1704) proved most capable pre-modern ruler. Administrative reforms included revenue settlement (Athara Kacheri system), postal system (Anche), and intelligence network. He obtained formal Mughal recognition, title ‘Jug Deo Raja’, and right to sit on ivory throne. His economic policies generated 90 lakh pagodas annual revenue – enormous for that era.
Dalvoy Period and Palace Intrigue (1760-1799)
Krishnaraja Wadiyar II’s death (1766) created succession crisis. Queen Lakshmi Ammani adopted Chamaraja Wadiyar VII but real power shifted to Dalvoys (prime ministers). Hyder Ali, cavalry commander turned Dalvoy, usurped throne through brilliant military-political maneuvering.
Hyder Ali (1761-1782) modernized army with European techniques, establishing arms factories, and training schools. His rockets, later perfected by son Tipu, influenced British Congreve rockets. Revenue reforms, encouraging trade, and religious tolerance created prosperity despite continuous wars. The Mysore-Maratha-British conflicts shaped South Indian politics.
Tipu Sultan Era (1782-1799)
Tipu Sultan, the ‘Tiger of Mysore’, introduced revolutionary changes. Coinage system, new calendar (Mauludi era), and attempt to modernize economy through state trading companies showed progressive thinking. His embassy to France, Ottoman Empire sought international alliances against British expansion.
Military innovations included rocket artillery (world’s first), superior quality swords (Wootz steel), and navy development. The Anglo-Mysore Wars (four between 1767-1799) drained resources but demonstrated fierce independence. Tipu’s death at Srirangapatna (May 4, 1799) defending capital became legendary – his sword fetched 2,000 pounds at London auction.
Restoration and British Alliance (1799-1881)
British restored Wadiyar dynasty through five-year-old Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, controlling state through Resident. Purnaiah, Dewan (1799-1811), stabilized administration, recovering from war devastation. The subsidiary alliance treaty restricted military but provided internal autonomy.
Krishnaraja III’s personal rule (1811-1831) saw cultural flowering but administrative decline. British assumed direct control (1831-1881) citing misgovernance. Commissioners like Mark Cubbon modernized administration, introducing English education, and building infrastructure. Bangalore Cantonment established (1809) became South India’s British military headquarters.
Modern Mysore Renaissance (1881-1947)
Chamaraja Wadiyar X’s restoration (1881) initiated golden era. Dewans like Rangacharlu and Sheshadri Iyer introduced representative assembly (1881), industrialization, and education expansion. Mysore became India’s first electrified city (1905), ahead of London and San Francisco.
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (1902-1940), philosopher-king, transformed Mysore into model state. Achievements included: India’s first democratic institutions (1907 Representative Assembly), Kannambadi Dam (1934), Mysore University (1916), and numerous industries. His Dewan Mirza Ismail planned modern Mysore – wide roads, parks, and public buildings visible today.
Integration with India (1947-1956)
Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, last ruling Maharaja, signed Instrument of Accession (1947) joining India. He served as Governor (Rajpramukh) until 1956 States Reorganization. Democratic government under K.C. Reddy became first Chief Minister. The peaceful transition preserved institutions, culture unlike other princely states.
The 1956 linguistic reorganization merged Mysore State with Kannada-speaking regions forming modern Karnataka. Bangalore became capital but Mysore retained cultural significance. Jayachamaraja continued as titular Maharaja until death (1974), maintaining palace, and traditions.
Post-Independence Development (1956-2000)
Industrial development included HMT watches, Railway workshop, and BEML. Educational institutions – NIE, CFTRI, RIE – established. Tourism developed around heritage sites. The 1970s-80s saw public sector growth but private industry lagged.
Economic liberalization (1991) brought change slowly. Software companies discovered Mysore’s educated workforce, infrastructure, and quality of life. The 1990s prepared ground for IT revolution. Heritage conservation efforts increased with palace restoration, and museum development.
Modern Era (2000-Present)
Infosys campus (2004) triggered IT boom – Wipro, L&T Infotech followed. Real estate prices quadrupled 2005-2015. Infrastructure projects – ring road, airport expansion, and highway improvement – supported growth. Smart City project (2015) aims balancing heritage with development.
Current Wadiyar family – Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar (adopted 2015) – maintains ceremonial role. Dasara presidency, palace upkeep, and cultural patronage continue. The family’s dignity, avoiding politics unlike other royals, maintains public respect.
Architectural Legacy
Historical monuments chronicle each era: Wadiyar contributions – Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Cheluvamba Mansion. Tipu’s Summer Palace, Gumbaz mausoleum showcase Islamic architecture. British-era structures – Crawford Hall, Government House, Railway Station – exhibit Indo-Saracenic style.
Link to heritage monuments guide for detailed exploration. Visit Archaeological Survey website for protected monuments.
Cultural Evolution
Each period enriched culture: Wadiyars promoted Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and literature. Tipu encouraged Persian, Urdu alongside Kannada. British period brought English education, and Western music. Post-independence saw Kannada renaissance, folk arts revival.
Economic Transformation
From agricultural economy (1800s) to silk/sandalwood trade (1900s) to industrialization (1950s) to IT/tourism (2000s) – Mysore adapted while preserving identity. Per capita income grew from 500 (1950) to 2,50,000 (2024) – 500-fold increase.
FAQs About History of Mysore
Who founded Mysore kingdom?
Yaduraya Wadiyar founded independent Mysore kingdom in 1399, though the region had earlier Gangas, Cholas, and Hoysala rulers.
How long did Wadiyar dynasty rule?
Wadiyars ruled 550+ years (1399-1950) with 38-year interruption during Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan period (1761-1799).
Why is Tipu Sultan controversial?
Tipu’s religious policies, forced conversions allegations contrast with progressive administration, and anti-colonial resistance creating divided legacy.
When did Mysore become Karnataka?
November 1, 1956, States Reorganization merged Mysore State with Kannada regions. Renamed Karnataka in 1973.
Who was greatest Mysore ruler?
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (1902-1940) for modern development. Chikka Devaraja (1673-1704) for medieval expansion. Tipu Sultan for military prowess.
Published: March 5, 2025 | Historical facts verified through archives