Mysore – A Small City with Big History

Mysore served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Mysore for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1956. The Kingdom was ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty, with a brief period of interregnum in the 1860s and 70s when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were in power. Patrons of art and culture, the Wodeyars contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city and the state. The cultural ambiance and achievements of Mysore earned it the sobriquet Cultural Capital of Karnataka.

Mysore is noted for its heritage structures and palaces, including the Mysore Palace. It is also famous for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists from across the world. It lends its name to various forms arts and culture – like Mysore Dasara and Mysore Painting. Dishes like the sweet dish Mysore Pak and Mysore masala dosa, Brands like Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Ink. Styles and cosmetics like Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) and the Mysore Silk sarees, etc. Tourism is the major industry alongside the traditional industries.

The Chamundi Temple hill features an ancient stone stairway of 1,008 steps leading to its summit.

Chamundi Hills stairway.

This giant image of Nandi (Bull) is located at the top of Chamundi hills in Mysore. More than 350 years old, this is one of the oldest icons in Mysore. About 16 feet in height and 24 feet long, this Nandi atop the Chamundi Hills is the third largest in India.

The Nandi is portrayed in sitting position with its left foreleg folded in an about to get up posture. While the image is in great proportions, the finer details are executed equally brilliant.

Stalls selling various items at Chamundi Hills.

View from the top of Chamundi Hills.

The Temple has a quadrangular structure.

Chamundi Temple.

According to a legend, the asura Mahishasura (king of the city that is currently known as Mysore) was killed by goddess Chamundeswari (also called Chamundi) after a fierce battle. The goddess is also called Mahishasura Mardini.

Mysore Zoo (officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) is a 157-acre zoo located near the palace in Mysore. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India, and is home to a wide range of species (168). Mysore Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Mysore Zoo.

Mysore Zoo.

Mysore Zoo.

Mysore Zoo.

Mysore Zoo.

Mysore Zoo.

Mysore Zoo.

The architectural style of domes of the Mysore Palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic and blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles. It is a three-story stone structure with marble domes and a 145 ft five-story tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. The entrance gate and arch hold the emblem and coat of arms of the kingdom of Mysore, around which is written the kingdom’s motto in Sanskrit: “never be terrified”.

Beautiful garden surrounding the Mysore Palace.

The Maharajas of Mysore were devotees of Goddess Chamundi, which is why the palace faces Chamundi Hills.

Currently, a major portion of the palace is under the control of the Government of Karnataka, acquired by passing the Mysore Palace Acquisition Act. Only a small portion of the palace, towards the West Gate, is under the possession of Princess Pramodadevi Wadiyar.