Explore how Mysore during British rule from 1799 to 1947 transformed from defeated Tipu’s capital into India’s most progressive princely state with colonial architecture defining today’s cityscape. The British Residency system (1799-1881) and Commission rule (1831-1881) introduced Western administration, education, and urban planning visible in Crawford Hall, Government House, and Railway Station. Walk down Ashoka Road counting 47 colonial buildings within 2 km, and you witness 150 years of architectural dialogue between British power and Mysore identity.
British Takeover and Early Administration (1799-1831)
After Tipu Sultan’s death on May 4, 1799, Lord Wellesley restored five-year-old Krishnaraja Wadiyar III to throne under Subsidiary Alliance. The British Resident, initially Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington), controlled foreign policy and military. Mysore’s army reduced from 60,000 to 3,000, with British garrison of 4,000 stationed permanently.
Purnaiah, Tipu’s efficient minister retained as Dewan (1799-1811), stabilized administration. Revenue system reformed – land surveys conducted, tax rates fixed, corruption reduced. State revenue increased from 35 lakh pagodas (1800) to 65 lakhs (1810). The British extracted annual subsidy of 24.5 lakh pagodas, later increased to 35 lakhs, draining treasury.
Commission Rule Period (1831-1881)
Alleging misgovernance, Governor-General William Bentinck transferred Mysore to British Commissioners’ direct control in 1831. Mark Cubbon’s commissionership (1834-1861) revolutionized administration. He moved capital functions to Bangalore, established English education, built roads, and introduced telegraph. The Cubbon Park (300 acres) in Bangalore commemorates his contributions.
Lewis Bowring (1862-1870) focused on Mysore city development. The Devaraja Market (1862), Lansdowne Building (1867), and Town Hall (1866) showcase period architecture. British introduced municipality system (1862), piped water supply (1869), and street lighting (1870). Population grew from 45,000 (1831) to 68,000 (1881) under stable administration.
Colonial Architecture Legacy
St. Philomena’s Church (1936), though built after direct rule, represents colonial architectural peak. Neo-Gothic style with 175-feet twin spires, designed by French architect Daly, cost Rs 3 lakhs. The stained glass windows from Belgium, marble altar from Italy, and catacomb-style crypt showcase European craftsmanship.
Government House (now State Guest House) built 1850s as Commissioner’s residence epitomizes British residential architecture. The ballroom, teak staircases, Belgian glass chandeliers, and manicured gardens hosted Empire’s dignitaries. Current restoration maintains original features including hand-painted ceiling murals worth Rs 2 crores.
Railway Development Under British
Mysore State Railway, India’s first state-owned railway, opened 1882 connecting Bangalore-Mysore (87 miles). The Mysore Railway Station (1891) with Indo-Saracenic architecture cost Rs 15 lakhs. Platform 1’s original cast-iron pillars from Glasgow, ceramic tiles from Staffordshire still function. Daily 75 trains now use infrastructure established during British period.
Railway workshop established 1893 employed 2,000 workers, manufactured coaches and maintained engines. The apprentice training school (1895) created skilled workforce. British railway town planning visible in parallel streets, workers’ quarters, and Railway Institute (1902) with library, billiards room maintaining colonial atmosphere.
Educational Institutions from Colonial Era
Maharaja’s College (1879), originally Mysore College, introduced English higher education. The Gothic architecture with pointed arches, rose windows cost Rs 2.5 lakhs. Alumni include Kuvempu, S. Nijalingappa shaping modern Karnataka. Current 3,000 students study in same classrooms with original Burma teak furniture.
St. Joseph’s School (1904) by French missionaries, Baldwin Boys/Girls Schools (1880s) by Methodist mission provided English education. These institutions charging Rs 20,000-50,000 annually maintain colonial discipline – morning assembly, house system, prefect hierarchy. Their combined 10,000 students perpetuate English-medium education tradition.
British Residential Areas and Clubs
Yadavagiri developed as European quarter with bungalows on large plots. The architecture – high ceilings, verandahs, servant quarters, compound walls – adapted British designs to tropical climate. Current property values Rs 5-10 crores reflect desirability. Original owners’ names – Gordon Square, Fraser Town – persist.
Mysore Club (1907) and United Services Club preserved British social life. Membership requiring proposer, seconder, and committee approval maintains exclusivity. The wood-paneled bars, billiards rooms, dress codes (no Indian attire in bar), and Saturday night dances continue colonial traditions. Annual membership Rs 50,000 keeps commoners out.
Military Cantonment Influence
Though main cantonment was Bangalore, Mysore maintained garrison. The parade ground (now Oval Grounds) hosted military displays. British cemetery near Garrison Church contains 200+ graves including soldiers from WWI, WWII. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains these, spending Rs 10 lakhs annually.
Barracks converted to government offices retain military architecture – long corridors, high windows, thick walls. The ammunition depot area (now industrial estate) and rifle range (housing colony) show military land use patterns. British-era defense roads, wider than normal, facilitate modern traffic flow.
Municipal and Civic Development
British introduced systematic town planning – numbered blocks, standard plot sizes, building regulations. The 1903 Municipal Act established elected council with limited Indian participation. Property tax, trade licenses, and octroi funded development. Annual municipal budget grew from Rs 2 lakhs (1862) to Rs 15 lakhs (1947).
Public health initiatives included vaccination drives, maternity homes, and dispensaries. Plague outbreak (1898) led to Improvement Trust creating new layouts with wider roads, better drainage. The sewage system (1904) and water works (1896) with Kukkarahalli reservoir serving 100,000 people established infrastructure base.
Economic Changes During British Period
British introduced commercial crops – coffee (1850s), rubber (1900s) transforming agriculture. Mysore State Bank (1913), first state-owned bank, mobilized savings. Industries – textiles, sugar, paper – started with British technical assistance. State income increased from Rs 50 lakhs (1831) to Rs 7 crores (1947).
The gold mining at Kolar Gold Fields (1880s-2001) by British company John Taylor & Sons generated enormous wealth. Peak production of 30 tons annually made India world’s second-largest gold producer. Royalty payments funded Mysore’s development including KRS Dam, though British extracted majority profits.
Cultural and Social Impact
English education created new elite – lawyers, doctors, engineers – challenging traditional hierarchy. Social reform movements – widow remarriage, women’s education – gained ground. Newspapers like ‘Mysore Gazette’ (1866) spread modern ideas. The conflict between tradition and modernity shaped contemporary Mysore identity.
Christianity expanded through missions – current 3% Christian population traces to British period. Churches, schools, hospitals by various denominations – Catholic, Methodist, Anglican – serve communities. The colonial period’s religious freedom policy enabled diverse faiths’ coexistence continuing today.
Resistance and Nationalism
Despite relative prosperity, nationalism emerged. Mysore Congress (1937) demanded responsible government. The Quit India Movement (1942) saw protests, arrests including future Chief Minister K. Hanumanthaiah. Isur village uprising (1830s) against British taxation showed rural resistance. Independence struggle sites now forgotten need preservation.
Link to colonial architecture walking tour for detailed routes. Visit Archaeological Survey website for protected monuments.
Post-Independence Colonial Legacy
Independent India retained colonial institutions – administrative structure, legal system, English education. Mysore’s smooth transition from princely state to democratic governance owed to British-established systems. The civil service, police organization, and revenue administration continue colonial frameworks with modifications.
Preservation Challenges
Colonial buildings face demolition pressure from real estate development. Of 200+ colonial structures, only 50 protected. Recent losses include Bowring Guest House, several bungalows. Heritage activists campaign for conservation but economic interests often prevail. Adaptive reuse as hotels, offices offers preservation model.
FAQs About Mysore During British Rule
How long was Mysore under British control?
148 years (1799-1947). Indirect rule through Resident (1799-1831), direct Commission rule (1831-1881), supervised princely state (1881-1947).
What positive changes did British bring to Mysore?
Modern administration, English education, railways, hospitals, rule of law. Infrastructure development and economic growth, though primarily serving colonial interests.
Which colonial buildings can visitors see today?
St. Philomena’s Church, Government House, Railway Station, Crawford Hall, Lansdowne Building, Wellington Lodge, numerous schools and bungalows.
Did Mysore royalty cooperate with British?
Generally yes, maintaining ceremonial position and privileges. Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV’s progressive rule earned British appreciation and relative autonomy.
How did British rule affect common people?
Mixed impact – stability and development but heavy taxation, cultural disruption. English education created opportunities for some while marginalizing traditional occupations.
Published: February 3, 2025 | Colonial heritage documentation ongoing