JhaKaaS piCs: March 2011

Mysore is a city in India with a very rich history. It follows a long line of achievements by the Wodeyar Dynasty. Mysore is the Karnataka state’s second largest city. It is also Mysore Division and Mysore District’s headquarters. It is located along the base of the popular Chamundi Hills. Mysore means “the abode of Mahisha,” wherein Mahisha pertains to Hindu mythology’s demon, Mahishasura. The city is popular for the festivities they practice during the Dasara Festival. It is also noted for its other attractions like the Peta, Mysore Pak, Mysore Silk Saree and even the Mysore style of painting. Mysore is regarded as the Kingdom of Mysore’s capital until the year 1947. The Wodeyar Dynasty was its ruler at that time. This is except for a short period during the 18th century where Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali were the ones who took the seat of power. Its cultural growth is attributed to the Wodeyars who were patrons of culture and art. This paved the way for the city to be regarded as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka. In Hindu Mythology, Mysore’s area was noted as Mahishuru. It was ruled by the demon Mahishasura who was later on killed by Chamundeshwari, a goddess whose temple can be found on top of the Chamundi Hills. The area where Mysore is standing was formerly known as Puragereuntil the 15th century. Chamaraja Wodeyar III constructed the Mahishuru Fort in the year 1524. Later on, he passed dominion over this city to his son, Chamaraja Wodeyar IV. Mysore Kingdom served as a feudatory under Wodeyars and under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire. Until 1610, Mysore remained in the center of the Wodeyar administration until the time the Vijayanagara governor was ousted by Raja Wodeyar along Srirangapatna, making it his capital. After this, the Mysore Kingdom gradually became independent. It then became a sovereign state during the time of King Narasaraja Wodeyar in the year 1637.