Mysore (ಮೈಸೂರು), Karnataka

The Global Education Centre of Infosys in Mysore, Karnataka, India


Mysore (Kannada: ಮೈಸೂರು) is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka, India. Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills in the southern part of the state, it covers 128 sq km (50 sq mi), it has a population of 887,000 people (2012 estimate).

The name Mysore means "abode of Mahisha", in reference to a mystical demon in Hindu mythology. The demon was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari, whose temple is found on top of the Chamundi Hills.

The city of Mysore is said to be established on the site that is today Mysore Palace. There was originally a village here called Puragere at the beginning of the 16th century. The Wodeyar family established their dominance here, constructing the Mahishuru Fort in 1524 and founding the Mysore Kingdom. It was originally a vassal state of the Vijayanagara Empire. When the power of the empire began to wane following the Battle of Talikota, Mysore Kingdom exerted its independence and proclaimed its own sovereignty.

The Mysore Kingdom reached its height of power in the second half of the 18th century. It began to decline through conflicts with the Marathas, British and the Nizam of Golconda. In 1799, the sultan died in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, and the British turned the Mysore Kingdom into a princely state under the suzerainty of the British Crown. Although the Wodeyar rulers were allowed to continue their reign, they were effectively puppet monarchs.

Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, Mysore


When India gained its independence in 1947, the Kingdom of Mysore became Mysore State. The king of Mysore was made a ceremonial governor, or Rajapramukh, a position he held until his death in 1974. A year before that, Mysore State was renamed Karnataka.

Planning your trip to Mysore

Mysore Airport resumed operations in October 2010 after many years out of service. It receives regular flights from Bengaluru. You can also take the train to Mysore from Bengaluru, and a four-lane highway connects the two cities.

Mysore Palace in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Places of Interest in Mysore

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