mysore

Mysore Kingdom

Mysore was a part of the Vijaynagar kingdom until 1565. After the fall of Vijaynagar, the Mysore state became independant. Raja Wodeyar made Srirangapatna his capital in 1610.

Hyder Ali took over Srirangapatna in 1761. He shifted the capital to Mysore. He extended the boundaries of his kingdom and managed to hold out against the British (with help of French). His son, Tipu Sultan, with the help of the French, further extended his borders and defeated the British more than once. However, in 1799, Tipu Sultan was killed and his kingdom was taken over by the British. The brave king was aptly called "Tiger of Mysore".

British restored the kingdom back to the Wodeyars. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the zenith of its splendour. Palaces, temples, painting schools and science colleges bear witness to the liberal grants and patronage of Mysore kings. Mysore was the only highly industrialized state in steel, silk, soaps and hydro-electricity. The kingdom benefitted from visionaries like Sir Mirza Ismail and Sir M. Vishweswaria who served under the Wodeyars.