Mysuru – Cultural City, City of Palaces, Heritage City, Cleanest City
Mysuru district has a rich history with many pre-historic sites, monuments, forts, temples, mosques and churches depicting the archaeological, architectural and heritage value of the region. The district possess excellent fauna and flora, rivers, hillocks, lakes and a moderate climate.
Mysuru district has a rich history with many pre-historic sites, monuments, forts, temples,mosques and churches depicting the archaeological,architectural and heritage value of the region. The district possess excellent fauna and flora, rivers, hillocks, lakes and a moderate climate.
Mysuru city is the headquarters of Mysuru district which forms the southern most district of Karnataka State. Mysuru is the name by which Karnataka State was known prior to 1973. The city is in the south-western direction from Bangalore at a distance of 139 Kms. and is well connected by rail and road. Mysuru has City Municipal Corporation since 1977. Mysuru district covers an area of 6,307 Sq. Km. and population of 30,01,127 as per census 2011.
The city with the majestic Mysuru Palace, the royal mansions, public buildings, gardens, water bodies and planned markets exhibit an indelible impression of the vision of the Maharajas, their Dewans and other talented luminaries on the City Municipality as early as 1862. The total harmony of buildings, sites, lakes, parks and open spaces of Mysuru and the back drop of
Chamundi hill adds to city’s attraction.
The antiquity of Mysuru dates back to the days of the Mahabharata. Tradition identifies the place as the abode of Mahishasura whom Chamundesvari killed and the name Mysuru is associated with it. Mahavamsa and Deepavamsa, the two Budhist texts, allude to the dispatch of Budhist missionary Mahadeva by the Mauryan emperor Asoka to Mahishamandala to propagate Budhist Dharma.Inscriptions speak of Mahishapura, Mahisurapura and Mahishasurapura. Erumainad of Tamil classics is also identified as Mysuru and an inscription dated 862 A.D. from 5 Kadalur in Mandya taluk refers the place as Maysooru. In the 10th century, the city was called Mysuru Nadu of 70 villages. After 1499, this town was clearly mentioned as Mysuru.
The region was governed by the Ganga Kings till the 10th century. The Cholas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Kings ruled over this region.
There are a large number of inscriptions and copper plates of the Wodeyar dynasty in Mysuru.
Mysuru city continues to be the venue of Dasara festival which signifies the triumph of good over the evil and the worship of Devi Chamundeswari, is being celebrated with much pomp and glory as a State festival. The cultural programs held at the Mysuru palace, Jagan Mohan palace, Kalamandira, Town hall and other places, the sports and wrestling events, the colourful procession of the Goddess Chamundeswari, the torchlight parade and fireworks at Banni Mantap are the chief attractions of the Dasara. The illuminated palace and the exhibition at the Doddakere grounds are an added attraction during Dasara.