Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV- The Maker of Modern Mysore (1902-1940)

About the Author Professor Obalalah Anantharamaiah is a well known academician, born on 10 May 1946 at Koratagere, Tumkur District. He served in Bangalore University and University of Mysore for more than thirty years. He held many important positions in the University of Mysore as the Chairman, Dept. of History, Dean Faculty of Arts, Director of Gandhi Bhavan etc. Authored and edited many books and journals including, History of University of Mysore, Convocation address of University of Mysore etc. Participated in many National and International conferences and presented and published many research papers. Visited number of European Universities.

Founder Vice-Chancellor of Tumkur University. Tumkur and laid the foundation of the University. Hosted many National and State level conferences, congresses, conducted many seminars as Local Secretary. Founder of many educational institutions from Nursery to college level and hostels for the benefit of the weaker sections and backward class students. Recipient of few awards for the social service and education. Ex-President of the Karnataka History Congress, South Indian History Congress and the Local Secretary of Indian History Congress (twice). Former Visiting Professor, University of Mysore-Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar Chair (twice), S.U. University, Tirupati. At present senior academic Fellow I.C.H.R., New Delhi. Nominated by the Government of Karnataka as the member, Karnataka State Higher Education Council and Executive Committee (five years). Joint Secretary, Forum State Universities.

Foreword I am happy to write a foreword to the book entitled "Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV-The Maker of Modern Mysore 1902-1940", the Founding father of the University of Mysore which was started in 1916. The book highlights the glorious life of a great benevolent ruler and the maker of Modern Mysore, in all aspects of the state who did a lot for the Amelioration of the people of Mysore especially the backward and depressed classes as well as others in general.

In all the fields of social, moral, educational, economical, industrial, cultural, his ideal of religious tolerance was of the highest order. Be it irrigation policy, agricultural development, trade and commerce, village improvement, introduction of many legislations, towns and city improvements, emancipation of women etc, were all ahead of our times. The welfare and progress of people of Mysore was always dearest to the heart of His Highness, The Maharaja of Mysore.

Preface Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore was rightly called as the maker of Modern Mysore. His 38 years of rule from 1902-1940 is considered to be a Golden Age in the History of Princely Mysore. Mahatma Gandhi called him as the Rajarshi and his Administration he considered as Rama Rajya. British Statesmen compared him to Ashoka the Great. To all his subjects, high or low, rich or poor of all castes and creeds Maharaja had become an object of almost sacred veneration. He was universally loved. One of the ideal king described in our ancient writings. He was deeply religious at the same time full of tolerance. As a matter of fact he chose a Muslim as his Dewan. Christians and Jains occupied many posts in the administration.

He was a promoter of science and culture, economic and spiritual progress. As a ruler, he discharged the responsibilities for the welfare of his subjects. He gave top priority for the economic and industrial development of the state. The Bank of Mysore was founded in the year 1913 at the initiative of the Economic Conference.

At the same time Co-operative movement was also started to finance for the benefit of small farmers, artisans, traders and businessmen. Public utilities namely, railways, water supply and the generation of electricity, roadways were undertaken by the Government of Mysore during this period. Apart from industrial education, facilities are also created in Mysore for Technical Education. Engineering College in Civil and Mechanical was also started for the Industrial progress.

Introduction After the restoration of the Wadiyar to the throne of Princely Mysore in 1881, the new state tried to have a new identity of its own within the British paramount. The personal imprint of the Princes and the wisdom of the enlightened Dewans played a crucial role in shaping this identity. There was nothing traditional, except the strict observance of the customs and practices of the royal household. It continued with greater vigour, the industrialization process of under Tipu, abruptly aborted in 1799- the new state was a land- locked state with lesser territory and resources compared to the Mysore. Kingdom under Haider Ali and Tip sultan which included even visit areas of South India.

The Princely Mysore consisted of only 8 districts, Mysore, Kadur, Hassan, Bangalore, Kolar, Tumkur, Shimoga and Chitradurga. Mysore state is broadly divided into plain and Malnad region. Hassan, Chickmagalur and Shimoga are considered to be the Malnad arca. Malnad gets copious rains and the soil is fertile. The rainfall in the plain region is one of uncertainty. Vast majority of the state's population depended on agriculture for livelihood. The climate of Mysore has always been moderate. The land mass is at a height of 2000 ft. to 3000 ft. the sea level, above making the climatic condition throughout the year congenial for human activities.

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