The Contribution to the world from wodeyer's family.
The Mysore Wodeyar dynasty was one of the many minor feudatories of Vijayanagar rulers. The dynasty originated during the 14th century. They emerged as successors to the fortunes of the Vijayanagar Empire during the 17th century. They came to further digest many big and small palegars during the 18th century with the efforts of Haider Ali, who came to rule over almost the whole of Karnataka and parts of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh. The state was reduced to the status of a subsidiary of the British in 1799.The Wodeyar dynasty developed the state to serve as a nucleus to foster Kannada language and Karnataka's culture.

The rulers of Mysore claim to belong to the family of Yadavas of Dwaraka, now in Gujarat in North India. Their rule started from 1399 A.D by Yaduraya who ruled from 1399-1423. His successors were Chamaraja I (1423-1459), Thimmaraja I (1459-1478)Chamaraja II (1478-1513) and Chamaraja III (1513-1553). They ruled under Vijayanagar representatives stationed at Srirangapatna.

Chamaraja Wodeyar III(1513-1553) is said to have built the fort in Mysore and named the place as Mysore Nagara (town). He also constructed the 'Hirekere' (tank) on the Chamundi Hill situated behind the temple.

Thimmaraja Wodeyar II (1553-1572) defeated many local princes and assumed the title "Master of the holders of Titles". He defeated the chief of Ummatthur (a local area under a chieftain) and protected neighbouring minor feudatories of Vijayanagar.

'Bola'or (bald) Chamaraja Wodeyar IV(1572-1576), succeeded his younger brother and he encroached upon the territories of other neighbouring feudatories. He built the Trineshwara temple in Mysore and drained the Cholagere tank in Mysore town.

Bettada Devaraja Wodeyar (1576-1578) was the nephew of Bola Chamaraja Wodeyar. His rule was not very significant, since he ruled just for two years.

Raja Wodeyar I (1578-1617) was the prince who enlarged Mysore to the status of a reckonable principality, from a small feudal fief of 33 villages inherited by him. Major parts of Mysore and parts of the present Mandya district came under his control. He started the famous Dasara festival celebrations at Srirangapatna in 1610.This was celebrated on a grand scale by the Vijayanagar Kings. Dasara continues to be a colourful festival even now in Mysore.

Chamaraja Wodeyar V (1617-1637) expanded the kingdom further with the help of minor chieftains under him. He was well-versed in Kannada and has some epic works to his credit.

Raja Wodeyar II (1637-1638) had a very short rule. He is believed to have been poisoned and killed by the machinations of the Dalavayi Vikramaraya.

Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar I (1638-59)was one of the greatest rulers of Mysore. He started ruling the kingdom from the jewelled throne of Srirangapatna and was able to protect Mysore from its enemies. He extended his territories by new conquests. For the first time, he established a mint and introduced the Kantirava coins into circulation. Dasara assumed great pomp under his rule.

Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (1659-1673)was responsible for cutting 1,000 steps to Chamundi Hills and the creation of the monolithic statue of Nandi (sacred bull) on the way to the hill.
Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar's (1673-1704) rule was a turning point in the history of South India. Chikkadevaraja was not only a military genius and a diplomat but also an able administrator. He organised the secretariat called Athara Cutchery or the office with 18 departments. He improved irrigational facilities and fostered Kannada. He is credited with the establishment of postal system.


Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar II (1704-1714) succeeded his father Chikkadevaraya, but unfortunately since he was dumb, the Royal authority weakened.

Dodda Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1714-1732) was 12 years old at the time of ascending the throne. These circumstances paved the way for the relegation of actual ruler to the background in the history of Mysore. The financial position of Mysore weakened. He expanded the Kalale Lakshmikantha temple, founded an Agrahara and excavated a tank there.

Chamaraja Wodeyar VII (1732-1734), the adopted son of Krishnaraja Wodeyar, succeeded to the throne. But the Kalale family, a feudatory of the Mysore Kingdom arrogated all the powers to themselves. He was deposed in 1734.

The rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II (1734-1766) may be termed as the 'Dalvoy' regime or rule by the chieftain. They controlled the state affairs in the absence of powerful kings. The political situation in the South was fast changing, with the advent of the British and the French. It was during Krishnaraja's rule, Haider Ali, one of the distinguished commanders in the Mysore army, was invited to defeat the Marathas. Haider was successful in his campaign and captured Bangalore.

Nanjaraja Wodeyar (1766-1770) was a ruler for name sake, Haider Ali and his son Tippu Sultan became powerful during his time. The first Anglo-Mysore war from 1767 resulted in the defeat of the British in Madras.

Bettada Chamaraja Wodeyar VIII (1770-1776) succeeded his younger brother. No significant development took during his rule. Haider and Tippu continued to be powerful and had successfully tied-up with the French to defeat the British.

Khasa Chamaraja Wodeyar IX (1776-1796) was the adopted son of Bettada Chamaraja Wodeyar. Haider had this child crowned in 1776. When the prince died in 1796, Tippu did not appoint a successor and kept the throne vacant. It was the child of this deceased prince, Krishnaraja III, whom the British recognised as the King and placed him on the throne in 1799. thus continuing the Wodeyar rule.

Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (1799-1868)- In the history of the royal family of Mysore, the reign of Kishnaraja Wodeyar III is a period of interesting events. Dewan Poornaiah looked after the administration, since the prince was only five-year old. In 1811, the King took over the reigns and shifted the capital from Srirangapatna to Mysore. The greatest event in Mysore during this period was the gradual development of the democratic institutions. He laid the foundation for a well-planned city of Mysore during his regime.


Chamaraja Wodeyar X (1868-1894) was an able administrator. He appointed C.Rangacharlu and K.Seshadri Aiyar in succession as Dewans to look after the administration of the state. He initiated the formation of a consultative body known as Reprenstative Assembly which was unique in India at that time. The first hydro-electric project(Shivanasamudra), a pioneering scheme in the whole south-east Asia, was implemented during his regime.


Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (1894-1940) was the most enlightened ruler of modern India. This period is called the golden age of Mysore. Mysore grew to be a model princely state. Many development projects, important industries and the famous Krishanaraja Sagar dam were his significant contributions. The Mysore Economic Conference and the Mysore Chamber of Commerce are the milestones in the economic life of the state. He ruled the state for a glorious 38 years.


Jayachamaraja Wodeyar(1940-47)was the last ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty. He was a statesman, philosopher and musician. During his period, the national movement was at its height. The Maharaja was forced to accede to the Indian Union after India became Independent in 1947.

The throne of mysore kingdom.