Even though grief over the demise of Srikantadatta Wadiyar was seen throughout Mysore region, the grief felt by villagers of Gejjagalli in Mysore taluk was almost tangible.
The village, located about 10 kilometres from Mysore has had a history of cordial relationship with the rulers of the region for centuries. Despite the transformation from monarchy to democracy in the region, residents of Gejjagalli have continued their admiration of the former and the glory surrounding it. Almost all the residents of the village were seen at the Palace premises, assisting the royal family in preparing to perform the last rites of the king.
The residents of the village have been employed in the services of the kings and serve the Wadiyars during key celebrations at the Palace, such as Dasara and Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Apart from this, residents of Gejjagalli have been traditionally involved in preparing the throne for the king during Dasara. They are also provided with traditional attires during Dasara celebrations, as they hail the king during the kings private Durbar. Even when the last rites were performed on Wednesday, residents of Gejjagalli in their traditional attires, were grieving their loss.
“I have been working at the Palace since the days of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar. The demise of Wadiyar has hurt the village a lot,” said Mallesh, a resident of Gejjagalli. He said that his father too was employed at the Palace. Most of the villagers of Gejjagalli still work in various places inside the Palace, he added.
Mahadevaswamy of the village was employed to carry necessary utensils to perform ‘puja’ rituals at Bannimantap. “I have been working since 2008 and was fortunate enough to be alongside Wadiyar. His death has pained us a lot,” he said.