Chamarajendra Wadiyar X; Image Source: Old Indian Photos
Karnataka has seen the rule of several dynasties that planted its flag on this soil. The glory of these kingdoms can still be seen in the umpteen monuments built by them and the inscriptions left behind.
However, the Mysuru Wadiyar dynasty, which is the last living royal family of the state has a distinct place in the hearts and history of the state, not only because of the monuments made by them, but mainly because of their deeds that touched and changed lives.
The members of this royal family, down the generation changed the perception and the definition of ‘royalty’ by itself by merging with the commoners and becoming people’s royals!
Mysuru Palaca; Image Source: Mass Mega Media
Way before election process and concept of democracy was brought on Indian soil, the Wadiyars have to their credit the fame of encouraging and nurturing democracy. What makes the Wadiyars stand apart is that the rulers of this royal family strove only to be people’s leaders rather than being kings born to rule over them. Their policies and programmes were all pro-people and their politics remained people-centric. Talk about any developmental acts of the Wadiyars, they have all been people-centric and not politically motivated.
Political history of Mysore can be divided broadly into five categories. The rule of the Wadiyars, the rule of Hyder Ali and Tippu Sulthan, Reinstallation of the Wadiyar (emergence of Mysore as a princely state), the rule of the Commissioners and the rule after reorganisation of state. However, one thing that could be common in all of these periods is an attempt to uphold equality of people and encouraging people’s participation.
The Wadiyar family was only a vassal state of the glorious Vijayanagara empire. It was founded by Yaduraya Wadiyar, who is believed to have come from Dwarka in 1399. With the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire (c. 1565), the kingdom became independent throwing open the doors of Mysore to both glorious as well as tumultous happenings however, the importance that the rulers of this kingdom gave to democracy is something that has earned them a distinct place in the Indian history.
Speaking to newskarnataka.com, historian and veteran journalist Echanuru Kumar says that as rulers, the Wadiyars never attacked or waged wars against any kingdom, but when provoked they have spared none. With pro-people policies, progressive thinking and prompt actions, the rulers of this kingdom managed to win hearts of their subjects.
The significant ruler, who left an everlasting mark was the ninth king, Raja Wadiyar. Raja Wodeyar, in 1610 changed the capital of the kingdom from Mysore to Srirangapatna, an island formed by river Cauvery, which provided natural protection against military attacks.
What is notable is that he took control over Srirangapatna without any force or violence. The year 1610 was a historic period as it ushered in the making of Mysuru state. He carried forward the Dasara tradition from the Vijayanagar Empire and held Mysuru’s first Dasara in 1610.
It was in the same year that the Gem studded throne- Symbol of power of Vijayanagar was brought to Mysuru.
Tipu Sulthan; Image Source: Rediff .com
With infights among the Wadiyars, financial mismangement and deteriorating internal situation opened the avenue for Hyder Ali to emerge as one of the most prominent leaders in the province. An illiterate, yet intelligent, powerful and honest Hyder Ali made his way to the top even as the Wadiyars remain as ornamental figures on throne. Hyder Ali possessed the strategic thinking of a rustic warrior, while Tipu, his educated son had the acumen of a visionary.
The four decades that the father-son duo ruled Mysore, they made commendable strides in warfare, innovation and developed desi versions of rockets that revolutionalised the fights against enemies. The rockets were used during Anglo-Mysore wars of the late 1700. However, despite having the intelligence, courage and strategy in hand, Tipu failed to get any co-operation from the British and in turn of events he instead earned the wrath of the British leading to four Anglo-Mysore wars. Tipu lost his life in 1799 and kingdom fell into the hands of the British.
“Tipu was an ambitious ruler and driven by this he focuses a lot on development. Irrigation, road, military research, art, marketing, construction of colonies got immense boost under Tipu,” Echanur points.
Making of Assembly
Krishnaraja Wadiyar III; Image Source: Wikipedia
While the politicians, now a days do door-to-door campaigning during the elections, 25th ruler Krishnaraja Wadiyar III started the ‘village visits’.
Krishnaraja Wadiyar III was succeeded by his adopted son Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, but the British brought in Commissioner’s rule in 1831 as the royal hier was a minor. The British ruled Mysore through this mode for 50 years and Mysuru state is the only state that was ruled by the British directly for such a short span.
Year 1881 ushered in a new era as Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, educated in the British system took over the rule of Mysore with a resident British Officer appointed at Mysore Court along with a Diwan to handle Maharaja’s administration. Mysore remained a princely state within the British Indian Empire till 1947 with the Wodeyars continuing their rule. The King made some historic strides during his tenure with the help of his Diwans Purnaiah and Rangacharlu.
Chettipunyam Veeravalli Rangacharlu; Image Source: Wikipedia
Rangacharlu brought in the Assembly system, which is practiced even now. He formed the Mysuru Representative’s Assembly, which is today known as the Legislative Assembly. The representation was not confined to any particular sect of people, but it was open for all. The 140 members in the assembly could be anybody- a farmer, a worker, a vendor, a dalit. There was no disparity in representation.
Chamarajendra Wadiyar X was the first to make a voters’ list of education people in the palace and five Mohallas. Meanwhile, during Krishnaraja Wadiyar II, the local self governance was encouraged. In true sense, the Royals of Mysuru paved way for democracy.
Bicameral Assembly
After his demise, his son Krishnaraja IV, an eleven-year-old boy was ascended to throne in 1895. However, his mother Vani Vilas Sannidhana becomes the regent until the young heir takes reins in 1902.
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV goes on to become immensely popular again due to his democratic bent of mind. He enlarged the Assembly and made it bicameral in 1907. Mysuru became the first Indian state to generate hydroelectric power in Asia, and Bengaluru was the first Asian city to have street lights, first lit on 5 August 1905. Mysore under Nalvadi Wodeyar was declared as ‘best administered state in the world’ and Princes from other sections of India were sent to Mysuru for administrative training.
The king had some of the most efficient Diwans during his 38 year reign. Among them were Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya and Sir Mirza Ismail.
The Wadiyars were extremely progressive. Electricty, railway lines between Bengaluru-Mysuru an various other reforms are brought in by the progressive minded kings and their diwans. Empowerment of women, dalit and reservation system was brought in by the Wadiyars.
Their foreign policies too had far reaching impact. It is said that during the World War I, England received help from the people of Mysore and the Wadiyars.
Due to the policies of the Kings, even father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi had called him Rajarishi or the Saint King. Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was a voracious reader and it is believed that for about six years, the King read for 18 hours a day. He made sure that he was reading national and international newspapers to under the dynamics of India and ways to reform the conservative society.
There are sources who say that the King cleared 200 files in one day and when Clock tower was nstalled by the palace workers and other, the King had straight away headed to hold ‘Janatha Darshan’ (meet the people) after inaugurating the clock in 1927.
It was the Maharaja who convincedJamshedji Tata to establish the Tata Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.
Joining the Indian Republic
The 25th ruler of of the Kingdom was Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar. During his reign, the India was marching towards Independence and that is when the progressive and democractic bent of mind of the Wadiyars came to be appreciated by the nation. When the unification process was on, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar wholeheartedly merged the Kingdom with the Republic of India, that too without any condition.
He signed the Instrument of Accession with the Dominion of India on the eve of India attaining Independence in August 1947. The princely state of Mysore was merged with the Republic of India on 26 January 1950. Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu had praised the king saying that while everyone became Kings ascending the throne, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar became a king descending one!
He studied poitical science hence had great faith in democracy and it was this understanding that led him to co-operate with the Republic India. In 1952 he became the Rajapramukh and then became the Rajyapal (Governor) of Madras and Mysore. However, their politics was also honest and clean. He, it is said, did not take even a single rupee during his term as Rajpramukh and as Rajyapal.
The Wadiyars gave away 14 palaces to the government in lieu of nothing. The simplicity of the Wadiyar and their faith on democracy was such that Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar had waited in a queue along with his wife in 1952 like a commoner to cast his vote. His popularity was such that he happens to be the person to have maximum number of areas, lanes, localities and landmarks named after him. He was the only king in post independent India to get a 21 gun salute after his death.
Compatibility with indigenous governments
The break out from the rule of Kings and moving towards democracy may not have been accepted by several royal families across the nation, but in Mysore, the transition happened swiftly because the Wadiyars wholewheartedly accepted the change and supported the same.
It is said that the Wadiyars, post independence did not nurture political aspirations because they believed that they belonged to the people and affiliation to one party would means dividing and alienating the subjects.
Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadiyar; Image Source: Star of Mysore
Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadiyar, the successor of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar is the only Wadiyar to have tested the poltical water. He was elected as an MP for one term.
His successor Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the present face of the Wadiyar dynasty has been vocal about his inclination. He has said that he has ‘political awareness’ but nurtures no political aspirations.
Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar; Image Source: The Hindu
Echanur says that Yaduveer’s decision as of now to stay away from the electoral politics seems to be the right decision as the pulse of the people too hints at the same.
