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Mysore

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Mysuru, often called Mysore, is a major city in Karnataka, India.

Mysore Taluk (2011 Census) (cropped)
Mysore Taluk (2011 Census) (cropped)

It serves as the headquarters for both the Mysore district and the Mysore division. The city is located at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills.

Mysore race course
Mysore race course

It sits in the southern part of the state. The city is positioned southwest of Bangalore, which is the capital of Karnataka.

Mysore (Baedeker, 1914)
Mysore (Baedeker, 1914)

Geographically, it is located at 12° 18′ 26″ north latitude and 76° 38′ 59″ east longitude. Because of its many historic buildings, it is known as the "City of Palaces" or the "Heritage City."

The city's name has deep roots in ancient mythology. The name Mysore is an anglicized version of Mahiṣūru. In the Kannada language, this means "the abode of Mahiṣa."

Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore
Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore

According to Hindu mythology, Mahiṣa was a mythical daemon. He could change his form to look like a human or a buffalo. The goddess Chamundeshwari eventually killed him. Her temple stands at the top of the Chamundi Hill.

Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore
Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore

Over time, the name evolved from Mahishapura to Mahisūru. Eventually, the British used the name Mysore. In 2014, the Indian government officially approved the name Mysuru for the city.

The history of the city involves many different rulers. In the early 16th century, a village called Puragere stood on the site of the current palace.

Mysore Palace, India (photo - Jim Ankan Deka)
Mysore Palace, India (photo - Jim Ankan Deka)

In 1524, Chamaraja Wodeyar III built the Mahishūru Fort. The Wodeyar dynasty later ruled the Kingdom of Mysore for nearly six centuries. The kingdom was once a vassal state of the Vijayanagara Empire. After that empire declined following the Battle of Talikota in 1565, Mysore became a sovereign state. Later, the capital was moved to Seringapatam, which is now known as Srirangapatna. During the 18th century, Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan led the kingdom. They fought four wars against the British known as the Anglo-Mysore wars.

After the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the British took control of much of the region. The kingdom became a princely state under the British Crown. A five-year-old king, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, was the titular ruler. The British controlled the foreign policy of the state. In 1831, the British took direct control of the state from the Wodeyars. The capital was moved to Bangalore during this period of direct rule. However, in 1881, the Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X regained control through a process called rendition. This allowed the city of Mysore to become the capital once again. The city's modern urban planning began in 1903 with the City Improvement Trust Board.

Today, Mysuru is a large and busy metropolitan area. The population of the city and its neighboring towns was about 1,288,000 in 2023.

Mysore Taluk (2011 Census) (cropped)
Mysore Taluk (2011 Census) (cropped)

The 2011 Census estimated the city's population at 920,550 people. The city is the second-most populous in Karnataka. It is also recognized as one of the cleanest cities in India. The climate is tropical savanna, which means it has distinct seasons. There is a summer season from March to May. The monsoon season occurs from June to October. Winter lasts from November to February. The city is located between two rivers: the Kaveri River and the Kabini River.

The city is famous for its unique culture and traditional industries. Many people visit to see the Mysore Palace.

Mysore Palace, India (photo - Jim Ankan Deka)
Mysore Palace, India (photo - Jim Ankan Deka)

The city is also known for Mysore silk saris and silk turbans called Mysore peta.

Mysore Silk Saree
Mysore Silk Saree

Artists create beautiful Mysore paintings.

Mysore Painting
Mysore Painting

There are also famous foods like Mysore pak, a sweet delicacy. People also enjoy Mysore Dosa for breakfast. The city produces special jasmine flowers called "Mysore mallige." Even brands like Mysore Sandal Soap come from this region. Tourism is a vital industry that supports many people in the city.

Modern Mysuru is well-connected to other places. People can travel by bus, train, or plane.

Mysore Rly Station Panorama Karnataka Apr22 A7C 01908-10
Mysore Rly Station Panorama Karnataka Apr22 A7C 01908-10
Mysore Airport
Mysore Airport

The city has many lakes, such as Kukkarahalli and Karanji Lake.

Zoo entrance gate
Zoo entrance gate

Karanji Lake features a very large walk-through aviary. The city is also home to a zoo.

Zoo entrance gate
Zoo entrance gate

Education is important here, and the University of Mysore is a notable institution.

Mysore university building
Mysore university building

Through its history and its many traditions, Mysuru remains a central part of Karnataka's identity.

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🖼️ Images & Media (14)
File:Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore.jpg
Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore.jpg
File:Mysore (Baedeker, 1914).jpg
Mysore (Baedeker, 1914).jpg
File:Mysore race course.jpeg
Mysore race course.jpeg
File:Mysore Taluk (2011 Census) (cropped).jpg
Mysore Taluk (2011 Census) (cropped).jpg
File:Mysore India Infosys.JPG
Mysore India Infosys.JPG
File:Mysore Painting.jpg
Mysore Painting.jpg
File:Mysore Silk Saree.jpg
Mysore Silk Saree.jpg
File:Mysore Palace, India (photo - Jim Ankan Deka).jpg
Mysore Palace, India (photo - Jim Ankan Deka).jpg
File:Zoo entrance gate.JPG
Zoo entrance gate.JPG
File:Warli Paintings, Mysore.jpg
Warli Paintings, Mysore.jpg
File:Mysore Rly Station Panorama Karnataka Apr22 A7C 01908-10.jpg
Mysore Rly Station Panorama Karnataka...
File:Mysore Airport.jpg
Mysore Airport.jpg

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