Mysore’s Golden Age

The Princely State of Mysore (today in Karnataka) was hailed as an example of good governance to all the world.

1902-1940

Introduction

The Indian Kingdom of Mysore is associated with two remarkable figures, Tipu Sultan (1750-1799), ‘the Tiger of Mysore’, and Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (1884-1940). Tipu fought the British and anyone else for nearly twenty years of unrelenting bloodshed; Krishnaraja made Mysore a world leader in industrial, artistic and social advancement.

by Clay Lane

KRISHNARAJA Wodeyar IV inherited the throne of Mysore in 1894, though his mother acted as regent until 1902. The Kingdom had a recent history of good governance, owing much to chief administrator Purniah from 1799 to 1812, and British Commissioner Sir Mark Cubbon from 1843 to 1861. A democratic legislature had been introduced in 1881.

The new Maharaja capitalised on his inheritance so wisely that Viscount Sankey, British Lord Chancellor, crowned Mysore ‘the best-administered state in the world’. Krishnaraja made shrewd appointments, including the celebrated engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, resisted the temptation to micromanage, and acted with foresight: the historic hydro-electric plant at Shivanasamudra Falls in 1902 and the KRS dam of 1924 powered new industries, irrigated fields blighted by drought, and watered elegant parks, such as Brindavan Gardens, purposely designed for tourists.

Tourism also prompted Krishnaraja to foster traditional Indian crafts – he led by example and learnt to spin – but Mysore was emphatically not a museum state.

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Précis

Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in India from 1902 to 1940, took an already well-run and democratic state to new heights. He pursued essential infrastructure projects to tackle drought and develop industry, and encouraged tourism with purpose-built parks and traditional crafts, winning high praise both at home and in Britain.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

When did Mysore receive its first democratic Parliament?

Suggestion

In 1881, thirteen years before Krishnaraja’s accession.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Mysore came under British control in 1799. Krishnaraja inherited the throne in 1894. He assumed control of Mysore in 1902.

Clay Lane The Copybook