History

Mysore is the third largest city in Karnataka and gets its name from the demon Mahishasura who was slayed by goddess Chamundeshwari. And it is from this episode in mythology does Mysore gets two important things. One is its name itself Mahisuru from the demon's name who was the ruler here; Mahisuru later got corrupted as Mysore with time. The other thing is Chamundi Betta which is of as much significance to Mysore as perhaps the Eiffel tower to Paris.

Coming to the various dynasties that have ruled Mysore over the ages, we literally find the history of India itself from the chequered history of Mysore. Starting from 3rd century BC, the Satavahanas, the Kadambas, the Gangas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Hoysalas, the Bahmanis, the Adil Shahs - each dynasty has left its mark on Mysore.

The Wodeyar family ruled Mysore from 1399 virtually until India got Independence in 1947 except for 38 years in the 18th century when Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan seized power. Raja Wodeyar (1576-1617) annexed Srirangapatana in 1610 and Bangalore a little later. Mysore was most prosperous during the reign of Chikkadevaraya who kept his distance from the rivalries of Mughals, Marathas and Nizams.

After Chikkadevaraya, the Wodeyar rulers became weak and Hyder Ali attacked and seized power, and established their headquarters at Srirangapatana. After the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799 power was restored to the Wodeyars. In 1831 the British took over the administration of Mysore. The Wodeyar rule persisted nevertheless and many reforms were introduced during their reign. The famous KRS Dam was built, several universities were opened, educational reforms were introduced leading to Mysore being called as a model state.

The people of Mysore were also actively involved in the freedom movement. After Independence, Mysore was acceded to the Union of India. In 1956 Mysore state was enlarged and on November 1, 1973 it was renamed Karnataka. And it was on March 15, 2000 that Infosys opened shop in Mysore.