Mysore, a city steeped in history and culture, has witnessed a fascinating evolution from ancient dynasties to modern education and technology hubs. This timeline explores the pivotal events that shaped its legacy.
Ancient and Medieval Foundations
1. Ganga Dynasty (2nd–10th Century CE)
– Mysore region was part of the Ganga Kingdom and was known for its patronage of Jainism and early temple architecture.
– Key Site: Talakad, their capital, features submerged temples along the Cauvery River.
2. Chola Rule (10th–12th Century CE)
– The Cholas annexed Gangavadi (Mysore region) under Rajendra Chola I.
– Legacy: Dravidian temple architecture was introduced, as seen in the Shiva temples of Talakad.
3. Hoysala Empire (12th–14th Century CE)
– Hoysala kings like Vishnuvardhana expanded their realm, building iconic temples.
– Key Site: Chennakesava Temple in Somnathpur (1268 CE), a UNESCO World Heritage contender.
4. Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th Century CE)
– Mysore became a feudatory under Vijayanagara. Local chieftains, the Wadiyars, gained prominence.
The Wadiyar Dynasty: Rise and Consolidation
5. Foundation of Wadiyar Rule (1399 CE)
– Yaduraya Wadiyar established the dynasty after marrying into the local chieftain family.
– Capital: Initially ruled from Mysore, later shifted to Srirangapatna.
6. Expansion Under Raja Wadiyar (1578–1617 CE)
– Shifted the capital to Srirangapatna and expanded the kingdom’s boundaries.
– Cultural Contribution: Revived Dasara festival as a royal celebration.
7. Chikka Devaraja Wadiyar (1673–1704 CE)
– Modernized administration, introduced a revenue system, and built the iconic Devraj Market.
– Military Campaigns: Fought Marathas and Mughals, securing Mysore’s autonomy.
Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan: Resistance Against Colonialism
8. Hyder Ali’s Ascendancy (1761 CE)
– A military genius, Hyder Ali, seized power, sidelining the Wadiyars.
– Innovations: Pioneered Mysorean rockets and forged French alliances.
9. Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767–1799 CE)
– First War (1767–1769): Hyder Ali defeated the British, Treaty of Madras.
– Second War (1780–1784): Tipu Sultan continued resistance after Hyder’s death (1782).
– Third War (1790–1792): Tipu ceded territories via the Treaty of Seringapatam.
– Fourth War (1799): Tipu died defending Srirangapatna; the British reinstated Wadiyars as puppet rulers.
Colonial Era and Princely State
10. Wadiyars Under British Suzerainty (1799–1947 CE)
– Krishnaraja Wadiyar III (1799–1868): Rebuilt Mysore Palace and promoted arts.
– Modern Reforms: Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (1902–1940) ushered in industrialisation, education, and dams.
11. Mysore’s Golden Age (Early 20th Century)
– Infrastructure: Asia’s first hydroelectric project at Shivanasamudra (1902).
– Education: Established University of Mysore (1916), India’s first public university.
Post-Independence and Modern Mysore
12. Integration into India (1947 CE)
– The last Maharaja, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, acceded to the Indian Union.
13. Formation of Karnataka (1956 CE)
– Mysore State was renamed Karnataka in 1973, with Bangalore as the capital.
14. Modern Developments (Late 20th–21st Century)
– IT Boom: Infosys’s Global Education Center (2005) positioned Mysore as a tech-education hub.
– Tourism: Mysore Palace illumination, Dasara festivities, and heritage walks attract millions.
Cultural and Architectural Legacy
– Dasara Festival: A 400-year-old tradition celebrating Mysore’s royal heritage.
– Mysore Painting: A delicate art form patronised by the Wadiyars.
– UNESCO Sites: The Hoysala temples and Mysore Palace are on the tentative World Heritage list.
Mysore’s timeline reflects resilience and reinvention, from ancient temples to tech campuses. Its palaces, festivals, and institutions are testaments to a city that honours its past while embracing the future.