Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar | Mysuru Palace
The Royal Legacy: The Raja of Mysuru Dasara The grandeur of Mysuru Dasara is inextricably linked to the Raja of Mysuru , a title that represents a living tradition rather than a political office. While India's monarchy was abolished after independence, the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru continues to play a central and indispensable role in the Dasara festivities, preserving centuries of heritage. Raja Wodeyar I: The Founder of a Royal Tradition The formal celebration of Dasara by the Mysuru royal family began in 1610 under the reign of Raja Wodeyar I . He was the ninth ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty and is credited with reviving the grand Dasara traditions of the Vijayanagara Empire after its decline. He first celebrated the festival in Srirangapatna, the then-capital of the kingdom, establishing many of the rituals that are still followed today. The festival became a powerful symbol of the Wodeyar dynasty's sovereignty and a way to connect with their subjects. The Evolution...