Mysore: Encyclopedia - Mysore

Mysore

Mysore is the second largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Mysore is the administrative seat of Mysore District and Mysore Division, and is the former capital of the Kingdom of Mysore. Mysore is known as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka.

Mysore is located at 770 m above sea level and 135 km from Bangalore at 12.18° N 76.42° E. Mysore is known for its palaces and proximity to several attractions. One of the best (some would say worst) times to visit Mysore is during the annual nine-night, ten-day Dussera or Dasara or Navaratri festival, which usually occurs in early October.

Mysore - Origin of name

According to Hindu legend, the area around Mysore city was once the domain of the demon king Mahishasura (Mahisha meaning Buffalo), who grew almost invincible and wreaked havoc on the world. The Goddess Chamundeshwari, vanquished the demon Mahisha in a humungous struggle waged over a period of 10 days thus, Goddess Chamundeshwari is also known by the name Mahishasura Mardhini (slayer of Mahisha).The battle became a festive event which the annual 10-day Navaratri festival commemorates to this day. The region retains the name of the slain demon; the name Mysore is the anglicized version of Mahisuru which is derived from the words "Mahisha" (the demon) + "ūru" (town). Thus "Mahisha + ūru = Mahishūru", the "Abode of Mahisha" which word became, with repeated usage, the current name of "Maisūru" in Indian languages, anglicized to "Mysore".

This legend is among the one of the most important in Hindu mythology, and renders the temple of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, located atop Chamundi hills in Mysore, an important place of pilgrimage. The legend is commemorated by several monuments in Mysore, including the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari on Chamundi Hills and an imposing statue of Mahishasura located nearby.

Mysore - History

The history of Mysore has been closely linked with the history of the Kingdom of Mysore.

References from the times of Mahabharata and Asoka refer to Mahisha Nadu or Mahisha Mandala. References can also be found in Tamil literature about Ezimahi Nadu. Earliest documentary evidence is linked to stone carvings (Saasanas) found in villages around Mysore, inscribed around 1021. From 1499 the name of Mysore has been clearly recorded in inscriptions. Till the year 1610, when Srirangapatna was acquired, Mysore was the center of administration. It became the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore after the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799 ^[1]. The administrative center was shifted to Bangalore in 1831, as the British took over the administration of the Kingdom of Mysore. Mysore once again became the capital of the kingdom in 1881 with the rendition of power by the British to the Wodeyars. Most present day historical landmarks, and organisation of the city of Mysore were inspirations of the Wodeyar kings and their Dewans.

Plans for organised development of the city exist as far back as 1904. Several structures were built around late 1800's and early 1900's.

Mysore - Attractions

Mysore - Palaces

Mysore is called the City of Palaces as a result of the number of palaces situated in the city, some of them are:

The original main palace of Mysore was burnt down in 1897 and the present day structure was built over the same site. The present day Palace exibhits a mixture of architectural styles from Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Roman and Oriental. Even though the Government of Karnataka now maintains the Mysore palace, a small portion of the palace has been allocated for the erstwhile Royal family to live in.

The Jayalaxhmi Vilas Mansion, was constructed by Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar for his daughter Jayalakshammanni. The Jayalaxhmi Vilas is now a museum dedicated to folk culture. A new gallery is being added for artefacts and collections of the Wodeyars of Mysore.

Mysore - Mysore Dasara

Dasara is the Nadahabba (state festival) of Karnataka State and Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the Dasara period. Also termed as Navaratri (meaning nine-nights), it is a 10-day festival usually held during the months of Sep-Oct. During this period, various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the state of Karnataka are held. Even musicians and dancers from out of State are invited to give performances. Mysore Palace is illuminated on all the 10 days and prominent cultural programs are held in the grounds surrounding the palace. The festivities are started with a pooja performed to the Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hills in the presence of the Wodeyar royal couple, high ranking officials in the Karnataka State Governement and other invitees. When Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyars, it was a practice for the King to give a special audience to the people during the Dasara which was popularly termed as Dasara durbar. This Durbar was participated by dignitaries and was a very disciplined and orderly affair. The current scion of the Wodeyar family now holds a private Durbar.

One of the main attractions of the festival is the Dasara exhibition which starts during the Dasara and continues for around 2 months. It is held in Doddakere Maidan (grounds opposite to the Mysore Palace) and contains stalls selling articles like clothing, plastic and glass ware, food stalls, stalls highlighting the various departments of Karnataka Government and also a play area where people can participate in games and amusement rides.

Another attraction is the wrestling tournament which is held in the Devraj Urs stadium adjoining the Dasara exhibition grounds. It is participated by wrestlers from around India and attracts a sizeable audience.

The conclusion of the festivties is marked by a colourful Dasara procession (popularly known as Jamboo Savari). The main attraction of the procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari which is carried in a Golden howdah on top of an elephant. Various tableaux created by different state organisations participate in the procession. Musical bands belonging to State Police lend music to the procession. The final program culminating the Dasara festivities is the torch light parade (also known as Panjina Kavayatthu) held during the evening and night in the Bannimantap grounds at the outskirts of the city. It is followed by a dazzling display of fireworks. A Laser show has been added recently to the program.

Additional buses and trains are organised from Bangalore to Mysore during the Dasara Period. State Government buses (KSRTC) buses charge a premium for the journey during this period.

Mysore - Other attractions

Mysore - Governance

The city is governed by the Mysore City Corporation (forming the legislative branch), lead by a Mayor, and composed of 64 elected corporators. The city is divided into wards from which corporators are elected. Officials such as the District Commissioner, Health Officer, Officers in charge of the Water Works, Sewage form parts of the executive branch.

MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) is responsible for creation of new sections (layouts), zoning and expansion of the city.

The Mysore Zilla Parishat is responsible for the rural sections of the taluk.

Mysore has become the first Indian city to be Wi-Fi enabled, according to the Indian newspaper The Times of India(16th August 2005).

Mysore - Demographics

While the population of the city is diverse, Kannada is understood by most people. Along with Kannada, people have good knowledge of English. Hindi, Tamil, Konkani, Urdu and most Indian languages are also understood by some sections.

Mysore - Economy

Industries including those manufacturing Tyres (Vikrant Tyres), Textiles (K. R. Mills, now Atlantic Mills), Electronic Systems (L & T), Earth moving and Mechanical Systems (BEML), Silk Factory (KSIC) and those producing software (Infosys, Wipro) along with Education, Tourism are significant contributors to the economy of Mysore.

Education and research at the University of Mysore, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL),Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute(CSRTI), Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology(CIPET), All India Institute of Speach and Hearing (AIISH), Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Regional Institute of Education,various medical,dental,pharmacy, engineering, and science colleges, Tourism centered around numerous attractions and the Dushera Festival, contribute to the economy and fame of Mysore.

Articles made of silk, Ivory and Sandalwood are some of the most famous products of Mysore, making significant contributions towards commerce in Mysore.

The economy experienced reverses during the last few decades, as some of the major industries like Ideal Jawa (Automobiles), K. R. Mills (Textiles) closed down and several people became unemployed. However some revival efforts, like those of K. R. Mills (Atlantic Mills) helped improve the situation. In recent years the software industry has grown and could expand further to become the most significant contributor.

As the divisional headquarters of Mysore Division and as the Railway Junction, administrative and railways are other major employers in Mysore.

Improvements in progress, like doubling of Railway tracks, and building of the a four lane expressway, between Mysore and Bangalore will bring significant growth to the economy of Mysore.

Mysore - Transport

Mysore - Highways

The existing two lane road linking Mysore to the state capital Bangalore (via Mandya) is being upgraded to a four-lane highway which is nearing completion (Dec 2005). With the completion of this road, the travel time between the two cities is expected to reduce to around 2 hours. Currently it takes around 3 hours to complete the journey. State highway's 17, 33, 86, 88 pass through Mysore connecting it to nearby cities.

Mysore - Inter-city

Mysore has inter city and sub-urban public bus transportation. The system run by KSRTC operates from the 'City Bus Stand' connecting to most major sections of the city. Traditional means of transport available in other Indian cities like Autorickshaws and Taxis are also available. Tonga's (horse drawn carriages) are also available, but are slowly going out of vogue.

Mysore - Rail

Mysore is the railway junction for the district, and rail lines connect Mysore city to Bangalore to the northeast via Mandya, and to the rail junction at Hassan to the northwest, to Chamarajanagar via Nanjangud to the south east.

Mysore - Air

Now defunct, the Mandkalli Airport is situated at around 4 miles from the city. The nearest accessible airport is thus at Bangalore. However para gliding and sometimes, aeroplane rides are offered.

A memorandum of understanding will be signed by the Karnataka government and the Airports Authority of India, leading to a redesign and extension of the airport. The redesign will align the runway to run southeast to northwest. Some 165 acres (0.7 km²) of land will be acquired for extending the airport. This upgrade will allow 50 seater planes to land and take off from the airport.

Mysore - Media

Mysore - Radio

Mysore established its first radio station as Akashvani (voice from the skies) in 1936 largely due to the efforts of Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy a professor of psychology at the University of Mysore. Thus the word Akashvani in referring to the radio and prevelant all over India was coined in Mysore. The station was taken over by the state in 1941. Kuvempu delivered the inaugural address, Incidentally, he also delivered the address commemorating the Golden Jubliee of the station in 1986. At the time of its inception the station was guided by one of the great Kannda essayist, A. N. Moorthy Rao (Professor, English Literature, University of Mysore) as director.

Mysore, now, enjoys a Frequency Modulated wave Radio channel. It has replaced the older way of Amplitude Modulated waves. This Radio facility can be availed at 100.6 MHz.

Mysore - Newspapers

The earliest efforts to began newspapers in Mysore were crushed in 1894 under the British Raj. Sadhvi was a Kannada newspaper which used to be published in Mysore. Newspapers now being published in Mysore either in Kannada or English include the Star of Mysore(www.starofmysore.com), its Kannada edition Mysore Mitra (first published in 1978), Samachar (first published in Kannada as Samachara and later as Samachar in english in 1950) and Andolana (Kannada edition). While the Star of Mysore is published in the tabloid format, the others are published in a broad sheet format. Earlier this year the Times of India launched a Mysore edition.

Mysore - Educational and research institutions

Mysore - Spiritual Tourism

Many Mysore yoga instructors draw international students for extended yoga programs, including Venkatesh Iyengar, and the well-known Pattabhi Jois. Teachers of Sanskrit, kirtan chant, Ayurveda and other yogic arts are readily available. The Sri Ganapati Sachidananda Ashram welcomes visitors, as does the Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center. In addition to traditional Hindu spiritual methods, courses are available in Osho meditations, the Art of Living, Reiki, Breema, and many other systems.

Mysore - Noted people

Mysore - Noted people who were born in Mysore

• Hyder Ali, ruler of Mysore
• Kamala Markandaya, novelist.
• J. Jayalalithaa (born 1948), Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
• R.K. Laxman, Cartoonist (The Common Man in the Times of India newspaper)
• Selar Shaik Sabu, actor
• Mysore Ananthaswamy, singer, composer.
• Triveni, Novelist

Mysore - Noted people who worked in Mysore

• Sir Mokshagundam Vishweshwaraiah (He was the chief architect of the Krishna Raja Sagar dam-of the famous Brindavan Gardens),
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Former President of India
• R. K. Narayan, Noted writer of famous books like Malgudi Days, The Financial Expert etc
• K. V. Puttappa (popularly known as Kuvempu),Jnanapith award winner and former Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore
• Prof. C. D. Narasimhiah,
• Javagal Srinath, Noted Cricketer
• Sri K. Pattabhi Jois,
• John Malcolm (Began writing History of Persia in Mysore).
• Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Spiritual Philosopher & Healing Music proponent
• Sir Mirza Ismail (Diwan of Mysore)

Mysore - Nearby places

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Mysore", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki