Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV

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Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV
Maharaja of Mysore
Reign	1902 - 1940
Born	June 4, 1884
Birthplace	Mysore
Died	August 3, 1940
Place of death	Bangalore
Predecessor	Chamaraja Wodeyar
Successor	Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Bahadur
Consort	Lakshmivilasa Sannidhana Sri Pratapa Kumari Ammani Avaru
Royal House	Wodeyar
Father	Chamaraja Wodeyar
Mother	Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana

Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV (June 4, 1884-August 3, 1940, Bangalore Palace), also known popularly as Nalvadi Krishna Raja Wadiyar, was the ruling Maharaja of Mysore from 1902 till his dead in 1940. He is regared as one of the most celebrated rulers among the Indian States when India was still under British rule. At the time of his death, he was also one of the world's wealthiest men, with a personal fortune estimated in 1940 to be $400,000,000 which would be the equivalent of a billion today.^[1]

He was a philosopher-king, who was seen by Paul Brunton as living the ideal expressed in Plato’s Republic. He had been compared to the Emperor Ashoka by the English statesman Lord Samuel. Mahatma Gandhi called him Rajarshi, or "saintly king", and his kingdom was described by his followers as Rama Rajya - an ideal kingdom akin to the mythological rule of Lord Rama.

Krishna IV was the 24th ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore that ruled over Mysore State from 1399 to 1950.

Contents 1 Early years 2 Rama Rajya 3 Patron of Carnatic Music and the Fine Arts 4 About his saintly character 5 Mahatma Gandhi and the Maharaja 6 Titles 7 Honours 8 References

[edit] Early years

Krishna was born on June 4, 1884, at the Royal Palace, Mysore. He was the eldest son of Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar IX and Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana. After the death of his father in Calcutta in 1894, Krishna's mother ruled the state as Regent until Krishna reached the age of majority.

The Maharaja had his early education and training at the Lokaranjan Palace under the direction of P. Raghavendra Rao. In addition to Western studies, Krishna was instructed in the languages of Kannada and Sanskrit, in horse riding, and in Indian and western Classical music. His early administrative training was imparted by Sir Stuart Fraser of the Bombay Civil Service. The study of the principles of jurisprudence and methods of revenue administration were supplemented by extensive tours of the state during which he gained extensive knowledge of the nature of the country which he was later to govern. On June 6, 1900, he wed H.H. Maharani Lakshmivilasa Sannidhana Sri Pratapa Kumari Ammani Avaru (b.1889), youngest daughter of Rana Sri Bane Singhji Sahib, Rana Sahib of Vana in the Kathiawar region of the present-day Gujarat State.

[edit] Rama Rajya

Close on the heels of the calamitous famine of 1876-77 and the demise of King Chamaraja Wodeyar IX, King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, still a boy of eleven ascended the throne in 1895. His mother Maharani Kemparajammanniyavaru ruled as regent until Krishnaraja Wodeyar took over the reigns on 8th February 1902.^[2] Krishna IV was invested as the Maharaja of Mysore, with full ruling powers, by the Viceroy Lord Curzon on August 8, 1902 at a ceremony at Jagan Mohan Palace (now the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery).

Under his rule, Krishnaraja Wodeyar who had the redoubtable Sir M. Vishweshwariah as his Diwan, set about transforming Mysore into one of the most progressive and modern states of the time. Under them, Mysore blazed many trails in industry, education, agriculture and art. Much of the pioneering work in educational infrastructure that was put in place during this period was to serve Karnataka invaluably towards the end of the 20th century in consolidating its position as India's leading technology hub.^[3] The king was also an accomplished musician, and like his predecessors, avidly patronised the development of the fine arts.^[4] For all these reasons, his reign is often described as the 'Golden age of Mysore'.^[5]

Mysore Kings and Rulers (1399–1947)
Yaduraya	(1399–1423)
Chamaraja Wodeyar I	(1423–1459)
Timmaraja Wodeyar I	(1459–1478)
Chamaraja Wodeyar II	(1478–1513)
Chamaraja Wodeyar III	(1513–1553)
Timmaraja II	(1553–1572)
Chamaraja Wodeyar IV	(1572–1576)
Bettada Wodeyar	(1576–1578)
Raja Wodeyar I	(1578–1617)
Chamaraja Wodeyar V	(1617–1637)
Raja Wodeyar II	(1637–1638)
Narasaraja Wodeyar	(1637–1659)
Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar	(1659–1673)
Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar	(1673–1704)
Narasaraja Wodeyar II	(1704–1714)
Krishnaraja Wodeyar I	(1714–1732)
Chamaraja Wodeyar VI	(1732–1734)
Krishnaraja Wodeyar II	(1734–1766)
Nanjaraja Wodeyar	(1766–1772)
(Haider Ali)	(1766–1772)
Chamaraja Wodeyar VII	(1772–1776)
(Haider Ali)	(1772–1776)
Chamaraja Wodeyar VIII	(1776–1796)
(Haider Ali /Tipu Sultan)	(1776–1796)
(Tipu Sultan)	(1796–1799)
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III	(1799–1868)
Chamaraja Wodeyar IX	(1881–1901)
Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV	(1901–1940)
Jayachamaraja Wodeyar	(1940–1947)
C Rajagopalachari (Governor-General - Republic of India)

Krishna was the first chancellor of Banaras Hindu University and University of Mysore. The latter was the first university chartered by an Indian State. The Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore was founded during his reign, with the gift, in 1911, of 371 acres (1.5 km²) of land and a donation of funds. He was a patron of Indian (both Carnatic and Hindustani) and Western Classical Music.

Mysore had been the first Indian state to have a Representative Assembly, a democratic forum in 1881. During Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV's reign, the Assembly was enlarged and became bicameral in 1907 with the creation of the Legislative Council, a house of elders which introduced many new legislation for the state. During his reign Mysore became the first Indian state to generate hydroelectric power in Asia and Bangalore was the first Asian city to have street lights, which were first lit on August 5, 1905.

During his 46 year reign as Maharaja, Krishna IV had the following Prime Ministers (popularly known as Diwans): 1.Sir K. Seshadri Iyer (1883-1901) 2.P.N. Krishnamurthy (1901-06). 3.V.P. Madhava Rao (1906-09). 4.T. Ananda Rao (1909-1912). 5.Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1912-19). 6.Sir M. Kantha Raje Urs (1919-22). 7.Sir Albion Banerjee (1922-26). 8.Sir Mirza Ismail (1926-41).

The Maharaja is considered to be the ruler who brought Mysore into the 20th Century, bringing material prosperity and security to his subjects. During his reign, he worked toward alleviating poverty and improving rural reconstruction, public health, industry and economic regeneration, education and the fine arts. Such were the strides that Mysore made during his period that Gandhiji was moved to remark that the Maharaja was a Rajarishi(a saintly king).^[6] Paul Brunton, the British philosopher and orientalist; John Gunther, the American author; and the British statesman, Lord Samuel were also among those who heaped praise on the king. Lord Sankey said during the Round table conference that Mysore was "the best administered state in the world". Princes from other sections of India were sent to Mysore for administrative training. The Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya described the Raja as "Dharmic" and Lord Wellington echoed the sentiment by calling Mysore's industrial development "incredible".

[edit] Patron of Carnatic Music and the Fine Arts

As noted, the Raja was a connoisseur of both Carnatic and Hindustani music, and his reign was described by some as "the golden age of Carnatic classical music".

The learning of Sanskrit language and literature was encouraged as never before. Yoga, through Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya prospered, and painting (notably by his protege, Raja Ravi Varma, was promoted. He was an accomplished player of eight instruments- flute, violin, saxophone, piano, mridanagam, nagaswara, sitar, and veena. In fact, he was instrumental in one Mr. Laksminarasimhiah to play carnatic music on saxophone as part of the Palace Band. Kadri Gopalnath was influenced by him to become a virtuoso on saxophone. Many illustrious members of the Agra Gharana including Nattan Khan and Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan were guests of the Maharajah in Mysore. The legendary Abdul Karim Khan and Gauhar Jan were also his guests. Barkatullah Khan - one of India’s great sitar players was a palace musician from 1919 till his death in 1930. Some of the Great Composers who flourished in his Court were, Veena Shamanna, Veena Sheshanna, Mysore Karigiri Rao, Veena Subbanna, Bidaram Krishnappa, Mysore Vasudevacharya, Veena Subramanaya Iyer, Dr. Muthiah Bhagavatar, Veena Shivaramiah, Veena Venkatagiriappa, Belakawadi Srinivasa Iyengar, Chikka Rama Rao, Mysore T.Chowdiah, B.Devendrappa, Gottuvadyam Narayana Iyengar, and Tiruvayyar Subramaya Iyer and many more.

The famed Nuclear Physicist Dr. Raja Ramanna played, in his teens, a command performance of the piano at the Raja's court, accompanied by the Palace orchestra, and the invitations became a regular feature, earning the future scientist 200 rupees for each performance, which Ramanna proudly called "a fantastic sum in those days.”

[edit] About his saintly character

Here is an interesting anecdote to emphasize his noble character. He visited the famous Saint Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi once and sought a personal audience with the saint. Bhagavan never allowed such a thing. Whatever had to be said was said in public, by letter, or in the mind. Finally, it was decided to bring the Maharaja in when Bhagavan was having his bath. The Maharaja entered the bathroom and all others were standing outside. For ten minutes the Maharaja just stood looking and then prostrated before Bhagavan. Tears flowing from his eyes actually made Bhagavan's feet wet. He sobbed for some time and went away. This is what Bhagavan himself stated on what transpired between them: Oh, he is a ripe fruit", said Bhagavan, and with great feeling he re-enacted the scene. One could almost see the Maharaja's eagerness, his humility and sadness. The Maharaja had told him: "They made me a Maharaja and bound me to a throne. For the sin of being born a king I lost the chance of sitting at your feet and serving in your glorious presence. I cannot stay here and I do not hope to come again. Only these few minutes are mine. I can only pray for your grace."

Famous philosopher, mystic and traveller, Paul Brunton (1898-1981) spent many years in Mysore under the care of the Maharaja and expressed his gratitude in the dedication of his book 'The Quest of the Overself':

"You have rescued philosophy from those who would make it a mere refuge from disappointment, and converted it into a dynamic inspiration to higher action for service.

If the world's Rulers would emulate Your Highness and bestow but a fragment of their time on pure philosophy, the illumination thereby gained would immensely profit them in wiser policies...

The clear Hellenic mind of Plato foresaw that, 'the world can only be saved if the Kings become philosophers and philosophers become Kings.' The love which everyone in the State bears for you reveals how true are these words"

Late Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who served as professor at Maharaja's College at Mysore during early days of his career when the Maharaja was the Ruler has this to say:

His late Highness the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar gave one the impression of a remote but enchanting spirit, who lived on hidden heights, even when dealing with concrete problems of the state. One felt that he was giving to society not more than a fraction of himself.

Sir Mirza Ismail a childhood friend of the Maharaja’s who became his Private Secretary and later his Diwan (Prime Minister), a Muslim, wrote in his autobiography:

"Purity of soul, kindness of heart, generosity of disposition, patience and tolerance, a wise judgment of men and affairs—these are qualities which His Highness possessed to an eminent degree. It was given to him that which is given to few men -— to go through life making only friends, to the exclusion of all enemies. I am sure that history will hold him among the greatest in the history of India"

Dr. Subash Bharani I.P.S, a serving high ranking police officer of Karnataka State in his doctoral work: " Dharage Doddavaru” ( published in 2005) dedicated his work to the Maharaja. He heaps high praise on him and says, for keeping aside the pleasures of life, striving for the welfare of his people as his very life, husbanding the state's natural resources in a systematic plan and using it for modernizing the state, constituting the Millers committee for the welfare and protection of untouchables and backward classes, allowing entry of untouchables to the portals of Palace for the first time in the country, Reservation for backward classes and minorities, free education for all classes, etc.; and for many firsts like these Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV deserves high praise and the title of Rajarshi. He recommends that the Government of India should honor him with a posthumous title of Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian title of India.

[edit] Mahatma Gandhi and the Maharaja

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in Navajivan dated February 8, 1925: "His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore has taken up spinning. This news cannot but gladden the hearts of those who look upon it as sacred duty... I congratulate the Maharaja and hope that he will not give up till the end of his life this activity which he has taken up, It will do immense good to him and his subjects." Mahatma Gandhi was a state guest of the Maharaja in 1927 and 1936. He stayed at Nandi Hill to recuperate from ill health. During 1927, the State was celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of the Maharaja. Gandhi was invited to attend the function. Gandhi wrote a letter to the Maharaja on August 05, 1927, in which he said:

"Dear Friend,

It has been a matter of deep joy to me to learn wherever I have gone, nothing but praise of your benevolence and purity.

I shall pray on Monday for the due fulfilment of all your noblest wishes."

[edit] Titles

1884-1894: Yuvaraja Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar Bahadur, Yuvaraja of Mysore

1894-1907: His Highness Maharaja Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV Bahadur, Maharaja of Mysore

1907-1910: His Highness Maharaja Sri Sir Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV Bahadur, Maharaja of Mysore, GCSI

1910-1917: Colonel His Highness Maharaja Sri Sir Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV Bahadur, Maharaja of Mysore, GCSI

1917-1940: Colonel His Highness Maharaja Sri Sir Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV Bahadur, Maharaja of Mysore, GCSI, GBE

[edit] Honours

Delhi Durbar Gold Medal-1903

Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI)-1907

Delhi Durbar Gold Medal-1911

Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John (GCStJ)-1911

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE)-1917

King George V Silver Jubilee Medal-1935

King George VI Coronation Medal-1937

Regnal titles
Preceded by Chamaraja Wodeyar	Maharaja of Mysore 1894–1940	Succeeded by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Bahadur

[edit] References