Mysore is the second big gest city in the state of Karnataka. It lies 140 kms from the State headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city, for several centuries. Thanks to royal patronage, artists, writers and craftsmen have flourished in Mysore, making it the cultural epicentre of Karnataka. Mysore still retains an aura of old world charm and much of the city's architectural heritage remains intact. The city's proximity to famous wild life sanctuaries and its very own zoo make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts from across the world.
Brief History
Mysore city was the capital of the former royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to 'Mahishasurana Ooru', which means the town of Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology Mahishasura was a demon king who was killed by the warrior goddess Chamundeshwari on Chamundi hill near Mysore. Ever since, the people of Mysore have worshipped Chamundeshwari as their tutelary deity.
H H Sri.Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar
The Wodeyar royal family ruled Mysore since the 14th century except for a short period of 40 years in the 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Hyder Ali was a general in the army of the Wodeyar king who rose to become the ruler of Mysore. His son Tipu Sultan followed in his footsteps expanding Mysore's territories in a series of daring battles, until he was killed when fighting the British.
Following his death in 1799 the kingdom was again restored to the Wodeyar family who ruled Mysore till its accession to the Union of India in 1947, after India gained independence.
