Nalwadi's 'Life and History' to be highlighted

Archaeology department to spend Rs fourlakh on two activities

Here’s an opportunity to get a closer look at some of the rarest photographs and documents of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, in July first week, on account of his 130th anniversary celebrations.

The programme, a part of the anniversary celebrations, chalked out by the Department of Archeology and Museum in its annual budget, will comprise of two main activities -- a seminar and a photo exhibition on ‘Life and History’ of the erstwhile ruler. The department has set aside a whopping Rs four lakh for the event, which is not going to be part of the celebrations being hosted by the district administration. The department has been making plans for the event since March.

The unique instances picked up from the pages of history, include interesting aspects like greetings from Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar on completion of his 25th year of his reign, photographs and paintings from his infancy, childhood, Dasara procession, till the last rites performed. Pictures of his childhood, education, marriage invitation and wedding, anointment; milestones like illumination of Brindavan Gardens of Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir and Mysore Palace and others will be on display. A total of 60 pictures will be put up.

This apart, seminars outlining developments during his rule, will also be conducted. As many as 46 lecturers from colleges of the district, and scholars, will participate in the seminar, where they will highlight the contributions of Nalvadi in the sectors of agriculture, literature, music, heritage, cooperation system, irrigation; the social, cultural, economical and educational developments; movements during his reign; health, industrialisation; his role during the first and second World War and others.

R Gopal, Director of the department told Deccan Herald that the papers presented would be edited and a volume dedicated to Nalvadi, would be published and released during Dasara.
He said that focus would be on highlighting unique aspects of Nalvadi, which are unknown to the people of this generation, (like the ruler selling gold jewellery of the Palace to complete construction of KRS). The illumination of KRS and Palace was described as ‘gandarva loka’ by people who witnessed it for the first time. These  would help students, research scholars, lecturers as well as general public to get a better insight about the ruler of Mysore dynasty. Nalwadi’s pet projects including Sandalwood Oil Factory, Mysore Paints and Varnishes, Shimsha Power Project and others are hailed, but the man behind it is not remembered, Gopal added.