Synopsis
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV of Mysore, unlike other royalty focused on personal luxury, dedicated his reign to progress and the welfare of his people. He implemented social reforms like banning untouchability, promoted education by making it compulsory, and pioneered technological advancements, including electrifying Bangalore.
In an age where Indian royalty was known for gold-studded palaces, diamond collections, and fleets of Rolls-Royces, one Maharaja stood out, not just for his riches, but for how he used them.
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV of Mysore may not be as widely remembered today, but his story is a shining example of wisdom, kindness, and progress. While TIME Magazine called Mir Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad the richest man in the world in 1937, with a fortune worth a jaw-dropping $236 billion (around Rs 19 lakh crore today), Wadiyar’s quieter yet equally powerful legacy continues to live on through the lives he touched and the institutions he built.
Born on June 4, 1884, in the grand Mysore Palace, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was just 11 years old when he became king. His mother, Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana, ruled as regent until he took full charge at 18.
Unlike many kings of his time, Wadiyar IV wasn’t interested in living a life only of luxury. Trained in both Western and Indian education, he spoke English, Kannada, and Sanskrit, and had a deep love for the arts. Lord Curzon, then Governor-General of India, praised the young ruler’s vision and expected Mysore to ourish under him, and he wasn’t wrong.
A Golden Era for Mysore
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV turned his kingdom into one of the most progressive regions in India. Instead of expanding his palace walls, he expanded opportunities for his people. He banned untouchability and stopped child marriages for girls under eight. Widowed women received scholarships, and he donated Rs 60 lakh every year from his personal wealth to help disabled children.
He also formed the Mysore Social Progress Association in 1915 and introduced one of the earliest reservation policies in the country. In 1918, he invited Sir Lesley Miller to assess the condition of backward classes, which led to 25% of government jobs being reserved for non-Brahmins, a bold step at that time.
Powering Progress, Literally
Under Wadiyar IV, Mysore became a pioneer in technology. In 1905, Bangalore became the first city in Asia to be fully electrified using hydroelectric power. This earned him the nickname “Krishnaraja Bhoopa, Mane Mane Deepa,” which means “the king who lit up every home.”
He also revolutionised education. By 1915, primary education became compulsory. By 1927, the state’s education budget jumped from Rs 6.9 lakh to Rs 46.8 lakh, supporting more than 5 lakh students across 8,000 schools.
He wasn’t just funding classrooms, he was building institutions for the future. He helped set up Mysore Sanskrit College, gave 10 acres of land to Sir CV Raman for his research institute, and donated 400 acres to Jamsetji Tata for what would later become the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.
A King of Culture and Music
Mahatma Gandhi once called Wadiyar IV a “Rajarshi”, a mix of king and sage. He was a gifted musician, playing instruments like the violin, veena,saxophone, and mridangam.
He supported famous artists of the time, such as Gauhar Jan and Abdul Karim Khan, and backed yoga legend T.Krishnamacharya, helping take yoga to the global stage. He also wrote poetry in Kannada, expressing his deep connection to his people and culture.
Wealth Used for Good
At the time of his death in 1940, his fortune was estimated at Rs 57,901 crore (adjusted for today’s value). But he wasn’t a king who hoarded wealth. One powerful example was his funding of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. When money ran out, he personally sold his own jewels in Mumbai to make sure the dam was completed, a gift to the people that still serves millions today.
Source : Economic Times
Can a man accomplish these many things in one life ??
1. Krishnaraja Sagar Dam.
2. Establishment of Maharani College, Bangalore.
3. NIMHANS Hospital, Bangalore.
4. Minto Hospital, Bangalore.
5. K. R. Market, Bangalore.
6. Banaras Hindu College, co-founder.
7. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
8. Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Project.
9. Vanivilasa Dam, Chitradurga.
10. Establishment of State Bank of Mysore.
11. Establishment of Kannada Sahitya Parishad.
12. Establishment of Mysore University.
13. Establishment of Bangalore University (UVCE).
14. Yuvaraja College, Mysore.
15. Mysore State Railway.
16. Mysore Medical College.
17 Bangalore Town Hall.
18. Vanivilas Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
19. Mandya District Formation.
20. Installation of street lights in Bengaluru, first of it in the country.
21. Establishment of Vishweshwaraiah Iron and Steel Factory, Bhadravati.
22. Establishment of the Church of Saint Philomena.
23. Establishment of Lalitha Mahal Palace.
24. Establishment of Hirebhaskar Dam across Sharavati River.
25. Promotion of girl child education and scholarship for widowed girls.
26. Prohibition of child marriage.
27. Establishment of Vishweshwaraiah canal.
28. Establishment of Mysore Residential Agricultural School.
29. Establishment of Mysore Social Progress Association.
30. Establishment of Maharani Women’s Science College, Mysore.
31. Wood Distillation Factory, Bhadravati.
32. Mysore Chrome and Tanning Factory.
33. Government Science College, Bangalore.
34. Establishment of Krishnarajanagar Town.
35. Establishment of Krishna Rajendra Hospital, Mysore.
36. Establishment of the Mysore Legislative Council to utilize the knowledge of the society for the benefit of the Government.
37. Establishment Mysore Boys Scouts, first of it’s kind in the country.
38. Establishment of Government Sandalwood Oil Factory.
39. Chamber of Commerce, Mysore.
40. Mysore sugar mills , Mandya.
41. Mysore lamps, Bangalore.
42. Mysore Paper Mills , Bhadravathi.
43. Land for Raman Research Institute ( RRI ).
44. Mysore Chemical & Fertilizers Factory.
45. Glass & Porcelain factory, Bangalore.
46. City Improvement Trust Board – first of it’s kind in India.
47. Establishment of Mysore Paints & Varnishes Ltd.
And a lot more…
Yes…,
🔹The great administrator in the history of Karnataka and India.
🔹The king of many firsts.
🔹 The Maharaja who ascended the throne of the Mysore state in his 11th year.
🔹 The 2nd richest king of the country at that time.
Remembering & Crores of salutes to Raajarishi, His Highness Sri Sri Sri Naalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar on his birthdate…
More Stories
Water Management System of Vijayanagar Empire
Ganga Chalukyas – Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7 – 12 BCE)
A case study on temple desecrations by Tipu Sultan