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Mysore (Kannada: ಮೈಸೂರು) is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Mysore is the administrative seat of Mysore District, the second largest district in Karnataka, and Mysore Division. Mysore is located at 770 m above sea level at at and is 135 km from Bangalore, the state capital. The city is known for its palaces and proximity to several attractions. Along with Sandalwood products and crafts, Mysore is known for its celebration of the ten day Navaratri (Dasara) festival held every year.
Origin of name
According to Hindu legend, the area around Mysore city was once the domain of the demon king Mahishasura, who grew almost invincible and wreaked havoc on the world. The Goddess Chamundeshwari, vanquished the demon in a humungous struggle waged over a period of ten days. Goddess Chamundeshwari is also known by the name Mahishasura Mardhini (Slayer of Mahisha).The battle became a festive event which the annual nine-day Navaratri festival commemorates to this day. The name Mysore is the anglicised version of Mahishūru which is derived from Mahisha. This legend, important in Hindu mythology, renders the temple of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, located atop Chamundi Hills in Mysore, an important place of pilgrimage.
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.The earliest documented evidence of the town is in the form of stone carvings in old Kannada(Saasanas) found in villages around Mysore, inscribed around 1021 CE. From 1499 the name Mahisūru has been recorded in inscriptions. During the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire, Mysore kingdom served as feudatory, gaining soverignity after the fall of the empire in 1565 CE. 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 . The administrative center was shifted to Bangalore in 1831, as the British moved their garrison from Srirangapatnam (Outskirts of Mysore) to Bangalore, thereby establishing the Bangalore Cantonment. 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.
Attractions
Palaces and Mansions
Mysore is called the City of Palaces as a result of the number of palaces situated in the city, some of them are:| Palaces in Mysore | |
|---|---|
| Prominent | Amba Vilas (Main Mysore Palace), Rajendra Vilas (also called the summer palace, situated on top of the Chamundi hills), Jaganmohana Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas (now in the University of Mysore premises), Lalitha Mahal (now converted to a hotel). |
| Other | Chittaranjan Palace (now the Green Hotel, was also the Premier Studios), Cheluvamba Mansion (now in the CFTRI premises), Karanji Mansion (now the Postal Training Institute), Lokaranjan Mahal (next to the Mysore Zoo), Crawford Hall ( University Administrative Building). |
The Jayalakshhmi Vilas Mansion, was constructed by Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar for his daughter Jayalakshammanni. The Jayalakshmi Vilas is now a museum dedicated to folk culture. A new gallery is being added for artefacts and collections of the Wodeyars of Mysore.
Other attractions
| Other Attractions | |
|---|---|
| Commerce and Industry | Mysore Silk Factory |
| Lakes and Gardens | Kukkarahalli Lake, Pushpakaashi (Flower garden), Karanji Lake, Lingambudhi Lake, Dalvoy Lake, Bogadi Lake, Krishna Raja Sagara, Brindavan Gardens. |
| Locations and Theaters | Manasagangotri (Mysore University Campus), Kalamandira, Rangayana (Adjoins Kalamandira). |
| Museums and Zoos | Railway Museum, Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens known popularly as Mysore Zoo, Natural History Museum (adjoins Karanji Lake). |
| Religious | The Chamundeswari Temple, Nandi the Bull (on the Chamundi Hills), St. Philomena's Church ( smaller scale reproduction of the Cologne Cathedral). |
| Hills | The Chamundi Hills, with the Rajendra Vilas Palace (now closed to the public) and the Chamundeswari Temple on top, and Nandi the Bull halfway up the hill. |
Mysore Dasara
Dasara is the Nadahabba (state festival) of Karnataka. Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during this period. Also termed as Navaratri (meaning nine-nights), it is a ten day festival usually held during the months of September and October. During this period, various cultural and religious programs highlighting the arts and culture of Karnataka and India are held. Mysore palace is illuminated on all the ten days and prominent cultural programs are held in the grounds surrounding the palace. The festivities begin with a pooja performed to the Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hills in the presence of the Wodeyar royal couple, high ranking officials of the State and other invitees.When Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyars, it was a practice for the Maharaja to provide a special audience to the people during the Dasara which is popularly termed as the Dasara Durbar. The Durbar an disciplined affair was attended by many dignitaries. The current scion of the Wodeyar family continues the tradition by holding a private Durbar.
One of the main attractions of the festival is the Dasara exhibition which starts during the Dasara and continues for around two months. It is held in Doddakere Maidana (near the Mysore Palace) displaying various products from artists, craftsmen and industries of the region. An amusment park and theaters are erected to provide entertainment to people.
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 (Panjina Kavayatthu) including motor cycle displays, fireworks and recently laser shows held during the evening and night on the Bannimantapa Grounds.
Tippu Sultan
The death anniversary of famous freedom fighter Tippu Sultan is observed everyyear* on the month of January in which thousands of people attend. The procession begins from Tippu hall on Sawday road, than marks its way through Meena Bazaar before culminating at Meelad Park, where a public meeting is held.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.
Demographics
According to 2001 census of India, 63% of the population of Mysore city is Hindu, while 27% is Muslim. Minority Christian, Jains, Buddhist like Tibetians form about 10% of the population. The literacy rate of urban Mysore is considerably higher than that of the state average, at 82.8%. A majority of the city's population speak Kannada, while other languages such as Tamil and Urdu are also spoken.
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. Mysore contributed Rs 370 crores to Karnataka's Rs 38,000 crore IT exports in 2005.There are a number of small IT companies that make a significant contribution albeit inconspicuously (unlike the big IT companies - Infosys,Wipro). Efforts are being made by the current state administration to persuade IT companies to move to Mysore among other tier II cities to ease the infrastructure burden on Bangalore and cause overall development of the state.
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 Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Regional Institute of Education,The University School Of Design (Architecture), 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.
Transport
Highways
The existing two lane road linking Mysore to the state capital Bangalore is being upgraded to a four-lane highway which is nearing completion (Dec 2005), which could reduce time taken to travel significantly. State highways 17, 33, 86, 88 pass through Mysore connecting it to nearby cities. Once the current upgrade is finished, it is planned to turn into a 6-lane expressway along with plans for five planned townships along the route. This grand plan is known as the "Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corrdior", although of late this project has been enveloped in some controversy, resulting in its very slow progress.Inter-city
Mysore has inter city and sub-urban public bus transportation. The system 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 rare nowadays.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.Air
The nearest accessible airport is at Bangalore. The Mandkalli Airport, approximately 4 miles from the city, is currently inoperative, although paragliding and, occasionally, aeroplane rides are offered at this location.A memorandum of understanding is expected to signed by the Karnataka government and the Airports Authority of India, leading to a redesign and extension of the airport. The redesign is expected to align the runway to run southeast to northwest. Some 165 acres (0.7 km²) of land are expected to be acquired for extending the airport. This upgrade would allow planes with up to 50 seats to land and take off at the airport.*
Media
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 prevalent 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.A Frequency Modulated radio channel broadcast by AIR (Akashvani) is available on 100.6 MHz frequency in and around Mysore city.
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, 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. In 2005 the Times of India launched a Mysore edition. Mysore also has the distinction of having the largest number of newpapers published in any Indian city. However, few of these dozens of registered newspapers ever make it to the stands, and many of these businesses are believed to be fronts for the lucrative newsprint resale business.Vernacular Press
Urdu newspaper like Pasbaan, Daily salar, Islamic Voice are distributed.Educational and research institutions
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.
Diversity
The city is famous for its multiculturalism and diversity. Where fesitvals like Eid ul Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, Deepavali and Holi are celebrated together. There is a Gurudwara (Sikh Temple), open to all and maintained by small the Sikh community in Mysore.
Noted people
Noted people who were born in Mysore
- Mysore Thathayya, Philanthophist, Educationist, Publisher
- Prof. P. Venkataramaiah
- 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
- Javagal Srinath, Cricketer
- N.R. Narayana Murthy, Infosys-Chief Mentor
- Aziz Sait, former MLA
Noted people who worked in Mysore
- Sir Mokshagundam Vishweshwaraiah, chief architect of the Krishna Raja Sagar dam, of the Brindavan Gardens,
- Snake Shyam
- R. K. Narayan, author of books such as Malgudi Days and The Financial Expert
- K. V. Puttappa (popularly known as Kuvempu), Jnanapith award winner and former Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore
- Prof. C. D. Narasimhiah
- Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
- John Malcolm, author of History of Persia in Mysore
- Sir Mirza Ismail, Diwan of Mysore
- Tipu Sultan
- Hyder Ali
- K.B Ganapathy, editor of the newspapers Star of Mysore and Mysoooru Mithra
- Madhu Nagaraja, First Kannadiga to swim across the English Channel(Aug/10/2004) Lived in Saraswathipuram, Mysore and Graduated from University of Mysore
Nearby places
| Nearby places | |
|---|---|
| Locations and Cities | Srirangapattana (Seringapatam), an island fortress-city that also served as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, MelukoteThe famous and holy shrine of Sri Vaishnavites and a centre for learning Sanskrit Kabini River Resort, rated among the top five wildlife resorts in the world by Tatler's Travel Guide. |
| Hills | Biligirirangan Hills, Himavad Gopalaswamy, Karighatta, Kunthi hill, Nilgiri Hills. |
| National Parks, Forests, Sanctuaries | Bandipur National Park, Madumalai Forest, Nagarhole National Park, Rangantittu Bird Sanctuary. |
| Historical Monuments | Somanathapura an ancient temple of historical and archeological importance. |
| Water Bodies and Dams | Balamuri and Edamuri (backwaters of the Kaveri River), Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam across the Kaveri River and the adjoining Brindavan Gardens. |
External links
- Mysore online, yoga....
- Mysore on Wikimapia
- Mysore City Corporation
- Mysore Dasara
- University of Mysore
- Star of Mysore, an English evening newspaper.
- Churumuri
- BSNL, Mysore
- Mysore Samachar
- The Wodeyar Dynasty
- Mysore Palace
- The Mysore page on Kamat
- Mysore Urban Development Authority
- Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Ashrama
References
- Demographics of Karnataka 2002
- Indian census on mysore Muslims
- Independent census on Muslim population
- Actual Muslim population
"Mysore"