Maharaja of Mysore

In the late 14th century CE, in the Vijayanagara Empire, the administration and protection of the various regions were designated to the respective local chieftains.^[1] The protection of the regions in and around present-day Mysore was given to Yaduraya Wodeyar, the Vijayanagara chieftain stationed in the region at that time.^[2] The local chief, who was till then known by the title of poleygar (Kannada: pālegāra meaning 'chieftain') during the early days of the fiefdom,^[3][4] Yaduraya later took over the title of raja (king, especially a small region) in 1399 CE.^[2][5]

Chamaraja Wodeyar III, who ruled from 1513 to 1553 CE over the territory consisting of a few villages close to the Kaveri River, constructed a small fort and named it 'Mahisuranagara' (Kannada: buffalo town).^[6][7] Though the region was referred to as 'Mahishaka' in early Indian literature,^[8][9] the later state of Mysore developed around the town.^[3][6][10]

With the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, Chamaraja Wodeyar III's son and successor Timmaraja Wodeyar II declared independence and assumed the title of Maharaja (great king^[11]) of Mysore.^[12] During the reigns of Kanthirava Narasaraja I (1638-1659 CE) and Dodda Kempadevaraja (1659-1673 CE), the territory of the kingdom was expanded significantly.^[13][14] However, the kingdom started to become weak under the rule of Dodda Krishnaraja I (1714-1732 CE).^[15] Hence, during the later reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II (1734–1766), Hyder Ali, who was a soldier in the kingdom, took over as the dalvoy (commander-in-chief) and reducing the maharaja to a nominal ruler.^[16] Ali's son Tipu proclaimed himself Sultan of Mysore and ruled from 1782-1799 CE.^[17][18]

In 1799 CE, after the defeat of Tipu in the Anglo-Mysore wars, the region came under the control of the British Empire, and the Wadiyars were restored as the maharajas.^[19] Krishnaraja Wadiyar III was restored as the maharaja under his grandmother's regency.^[20] While Krishnaraja's reign lasted for nearly seventy years, till 1868, he was not in control of the kingdom from 1831. In 1831, citing maladministration, the British took direct control of the princely state of Mysore and instituted the Mysore Commission. The region was ruled by British Commissioners, while the maharaja remained without actual power.^[21] Krishnaraja III was considered a great patron of arts, and he instituted the first English school, which later became a precursor to Mysore University.^[22][23]

Though Krishnaraja III appealed for a return of power, it was rejected, and the deposed king died a dejected man.^[24] Chamarajendra Wadiyar X ascended the throne on 23 September 1868. The state, which had been under the direct administration of the British Raj since 1831, was restored to the Wadiyar dynasty by an instrument of rendition in 1881, and Chamarajendra X was officially handed the reins in the same year.^[25][26] Chamarajendra X ruled till 1894, and during his reign, various irrigation and industrial projects were carried out. He divided the state into several administrative divisions, and established the Mysore Representative Assembly in 1881, one of the earliest legislative institutions in princely India. He founded several schools including Maharaja's College, Mysore and Oriental Research Institute Mysore, textile mills, and expanded mining activities at the Kolar Gold Fields. Several buildings including the Bangalore Palace and Lalbagh Glass House in Bangalore, Dufferin Clock Tower, and Mysore Zoo in Mysore, and the Fernhills Palace in Ooty were built during his reign. He started the annual Dasara Industrial Exhibition, patronised several artisans, and established agricultural banks.^[25][27]

Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV ascended the throne in 1895 following the death of his father, Chamarajendra X, in 1894. During his reign, the Mysore Legislative Council was established in 1907. He also established several educational institutions, hospitals, research institutes and industries.^[28][29] After Krishnaraja IV died in 1940, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar ascended the throne, and he was the last maharaja of the state. During Jayachamaraja's reign, several educational and research institutes were established, and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was established in 1940. As India gained independence from the British Crown in 1947, crown allies acceded to the Dominion of India, and the maharaja continued as a nominal ruler till January 1950.^[30]

• 
  Raja Wodeyar I (1578–1617)
• 
  Kanthirava Narasaraja I (1638–1659)
• 
  Chikka Devaraja ((1673–1704)
• 
  Dodda Krishnaraja I (1714–1732)
• 
  Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (1799–1868)
• 
  Chamarajendra Wadiyar X (1868–1894)
• 
  Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV (1894–1940)
• 
  Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar (1940–1950)

After India became a republic in 1950, the role of maharaja was replaced with that of the rajpramukh and later governor. In the democratic system, the governor is appointed by the President.^[31] Nevertheless, like most kings in India at that time, the maharaja and his successors were allowed an annual payment or privy purse, certain privileges, and the use of the title of "Maharaja".^[32] However, after the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India was enacted in 1971, the titles and privy purse were discontinued.^[33][34][35]

• Dewan of Mysore