Mysuru: Largely unknown nuggets, personal and otherwise, about the former maharaja of Mysuru Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar , considered the architect of modern Mysuru, came to light on the first day of the seminar held on the king at the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Grounds by the department of archaeology, heritage and museums.Historians and experts in the field discussed the many facets of the king, whose contributions to the erstwhile Mysore state include establishment of the University of Mysore, completion of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam. Historian MV Srinivas , who presided over the presentation of research papers on the king, was effusive in his praise of participants, whom he thanked for bringing to light personal aspects of Nalwadi, which he said helped form a more rounded picture of the king.“Nalwadi was taught by a broad range of scholars, including the vidwans in the court. The knowledge he received from his teachers shaped his mind, but more importantly, it held him in good stead when he took over the reins of the administration of the kingdom. He received both Indian, and Western education. Above all, what distinguished him as an administrator was the experience he gained working at taluk- and district-level offices,” said Srinivas, expressing astonishment at the sheer breadth of literature on Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.The historian went on to add that, unlike other rulers of his age, Nalwadi was not one for idleness and a lavish lifestyle. “He devoted all his free time to educate himself. He even rejected several decisions taken by the Diwans, and other officials. His decision to provide Reservation for the backward classes went against the grain of the then prevailing mindset among the administrative classes of the kingdom,” Srinivas said.Echanur Kumar, another expert on Mysuru history, pointed to the erstwhile Mysore State’s invaluable contribution to British war efforts during the World War I. “Nalwadi agreed to send soldiers from Mysuru to fight for the British in the famous Battle of Haifa. The king promised the soldiers that their families would be cared for, and kin of those martyred in battle were extended financial support. Besides dispatching soldiers to fight on the battle lines, Nalwadi gave the British a sum of Rs 83 lakh to help with their war efforts,” Kumar added.FT Hallikeri, lecturer at Kannada University, recalled the king’s service to the world of arts, stating that he had established the Saraswathi Bhandar to house and preserve manuscripts, nearly 2,500 of them. “Of these, more than 2,000 were Kannada manuscripts, most of which related to Vachana literature,” Hallikeri said.JV Gayathri, who worked with the department of archaeology, heritage and museums in the past, said that one need look no beyond the many heritage structures lining the city’s roads to learn about Nalwadi, most of which, including Mysore Palace and Sharada Vilas, which were built during his reign.

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