Latest news with #Wadiyar
India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Nehru didn't give Bengaluru HAL, we did: Mysuru royal fact-checks DK Shivakumar
While the dust seems to be settling on the rumour surrounding Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) being supposedly moved from Bengaluru to Andhra Pradesh, another one regarding its origins seems to be Karnataka Ministers had strong reactions to the rumour, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu issued a reality check and clarified he did not intend to relocate the Mysuru scion and BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has stepped in with a fact-check of his own — this time aimed at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who had claimed that former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru 'gave us HAL'. SHIVAKUMAR'S NEHRU CLAIM CHALLENGED Wadiyar, through a series of posts on X, contested the Deputy Chief Minister's claim that HAL was established in Bengaluru by Nehru. Shivakumar had said, 'As our first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru ji gave us, it is a base.'The BJP MP, in a thread of tweets explained the history of HAL and its establishment. HAL was founded in 1940 by Indian industrialist and 'Father of Transportation in India' Walchand Hirachand, with support from American businessman and then president China National Aviation Corporation William D Pawley, and the Kingdom of had nothing to do with HAL,' Wadiyar stated, offering a detailed historical rebuttal, asserting that the first Prime Minister of independent India had no role in HAL's founding. 'William D Pawley, president of InterContinent Corporation, had earlier partnered with China's Nationalist government to start CAMCO, which assembled Hawk 75 and CW-21 fighter aircraft, in 1933.'Wadiyar went on to narrate how, in October 1939, Pawley met Hirachand on a Pan Am Clipper flight to Hong Kong. It was during this meeting that the idea of manufacturing aircraft in India was floated. Pawley visited India in July 1940 and obtained British approval for the project. Hirachand, however, failed to convince shareholders of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company to back the BJP leader then explained why Hirachand turned to the princely states when — Baroda, Gwalior, Bhavnagar and Mysore — when private support became elusive. According to Wadiyar, only his ancestor Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the Maharaja of Mysore, stepped forward with recounted how the Mysore government, in October 1940, under the Maharaja, granted 700 acres of land and invested Rs 25 lakh in shares to support the venture after Hirachand and Pawley arrived in ESTABLISHMENT DETAILSadvertisementHindustan Aircraft Company was incorporated on December 23, 1940, under the Mysore Companies Act, with Hirachand as chairman. Its office was opened at Eventide on Domlur Road. Construction began on December 24, and by mid-January 1941, the first building and runway were to Wadiyar, the company's first order came from the British Government of India — 74 Vultee Attack Bombers, 30 Harlow PC5 Trainers, and 48 Curtis Hawk Fighters, all to be delivered by 1942. In April 1941, the British Indian Government injected an additional Rs 25 lakh into the the Japanese threat intensified, CAMCO shifted its machinery to Mysore STATE'S WARTIME ROLEWadiyar elaborated on the war years, noting that on August 29, 1941, the first Harlow Trainer was handed over to the Government of the Pearl Harbour attack and the loss of British naval strength in Malaya, fears of a Japanese invasion led the British to buy out Hirachand's shares in April 1942. The Mysore government, however, refused to sell its stake and only transferred control temporarily for the duration of the also pointed out that Hirachand made a profit of Rs 57 lakh from his Rs 25 lakh investment. In 1943, the United States Army Air Forces took over the factory, renamed it the 84th Air Depot, and used it as a major hub for Allied aircraft repairs in India and Burma. By the end of the war, it was one of Asia's largest aircraft overhaul facilities. 'During World War II, the British Indian Government paid the Mysore State a solatium of Rs 12.11 lakh to sterilise its interest,' Wadiyar said. 'Mysore State became an active partner again in April 1946,' he October 1,1964, the factory was restructured as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under the Union Defence FOR RIGHTFUL RECOGNITIONTurning to the present, Wadiyar expressed disappointment over the lack of institutional memory and public Mysore State's pivotal role, HAL and the Karnataka government barely acknowledge the Maharaja's contribution to its establishment. Its website features only Walchand's photo,' he noted. He urged the government to refrain from rewriting history for political mileage: 'Instead of misrepresenting facts and glorifying the Nehru/Gandhi family — especially with false claims — the Karnataka government and the Deputy Chief Minister should focus on ensuring that HAL is strengthened and given the impetus it requires to become a leader in its sector.''Shivakumar should take pride in the fact that HAL was built by Karnataka's leaders and contributes to the progress of Bharat,' he concluded. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion: Where the traditions of the Deccan come alive
A tepid drizzle falls on the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion (JVM) in Mysuru, leaving behind silvery dribblets on piles of rubble, scaffolding and blue construction sheets covering vast sections of the lemon-hued edifice, currently under restoration. As soon as one enters the mansion, what strikes one almost immediately is the many years of neglect writ large across it. Yet vestiges of past glory still linger in this 120-year-old, former royal residence with its Roman columns, stained glass dome, ornate balconies, pressed-metal ceiling tiles, elaborately carved wooden pillars and Italian marble flooring, a testament to the eclectic architectural style so typical of Mysuru's Wadiyar dynasty. Layered cultures 'Historically, Mysuru was one of the most prosperous regions in the Deccan, reflecting the rich, layered cultures of southern India — from early historic times to the modern era. The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion itself, with its four wings, is an architectural testament to transcultural and transhistorical influences,' says Dr. Helen Philon, co-founder of the Deccan Heritage Foundation India (DHFI), which is currently in the process of restoring this architecturally diverse building. The restoration, which is being supported by the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF) and the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), doesn't just stop at restoring the structural integrity and former glory of this building, which has served multiple purposes over its lifetime, including royal family residence, academic hub and finally a folklore museum housing thousands of anthropological and ethnographic artefacts sourced from across Karnataka. It also seeks to transform it into a cultural landmark of sorts that 'will attract not only Mysoreans but also Bangaloreans, Deccanis, visitors from across India, and an international audience eager to attend its musical, dance, and other performance events, exhibitions, and culinary experiences celebrating the harmonious co-existence of its Deccani cultures,' says Dr. Philon. From house to museum In 1897, Maharajakumari Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wadiyar X and Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, was married to her mother's brother, Sir Kantharaj Urs. But during the wedding, the old wooden Mysore palace was destroyed in a fire, and so, her mother (who became the regent queen following the untimely death of her husband in 1894) commissioned British architect Henry Irwin to build a new palace that very same year, the oft-visited Amba Vilas Palace. While the new Mysuru palace was being constructed, another palace, the JVM, was also built as a wedding gift to the princess. Pointing to one of the many wooden pillars inside the north wing of the mansion, Malavika Murthy, Project Coordinator, JVM Project, says, 'Very interestingly, a lot of elements of construction you see here in JVM are patterns developed for the Mysore palace. The column design here is the same design you see on the cast iron columns in the marriage pavilion of the Mysore palace.' Work on the JVM started around 1900, and the completed building was inaugurated a few years later. 'Some records say 1905, some say 1907,' says Malavika. Archival research points to Sir Kantharaj and his family dividing their time between Mysuru and Bengaluru – he was appointed as the Dewan in 1918. 'So what we understand is that the building was not used a lot during the initial years of its construction,' she explains. 'It was mainly used by their daughter and her family afterwards.' The family lived here until the death of Princess Leelavathi in 1954, after which, in 1959, the Mansion, along with 300 acres, was sold to the University of Mysore at a 'nominal rate' when 'Kuvempu (K.V. Puttappa) was its vice-chancellor.' Back then, the university was mainly functioning at the Maharaja's College, so once they bought the land and the building, they suddenly had much more space to expand. 'He started the Manasagangotri from this building,' she says. 'This was the genesis of many master's programmes in Mysore University.' Folklore museum Right from the beginning, the Departments of Anthropology, Ancient History, and the administration blocks were at the JVM, which is also why it began to house so many interesting objects. Some of these included Mysore Ganjifa cards, leather and string puppets, musical instruments, paintings and even a collection of everyday objects, including several shavige manés, the kitchen tools used to make stringhoppers, explains Akhila Udayashankar, a senior conservation architect who is heading this ongoing conservation project for DHFI. Other notable objects found here are a collection of documents and artefacts of some of the doyens of Kannada literature, including Kuvempu, Javaregowda, Bendre, Triveni and Lankesh and a giant statue of Mariamman, 'a traditional vernacular deity who is often found at the edge of villages, a symbol of protection,' she says, describing it as 'an object of great impact once you look at it.' Over time, as the university received more funding and grew, new department blocks began to be constructed outside the building, and people started moving to the new buildings. 'Until 2000, there were a lot of departments still functioning here,' says Malavika. Around this time, a partial restoration of the building, with a grant from the Infosys Foundation, was done, which also led to many of these departments moving out to other new buildings on the campus. 'But the collection was still here, so they decided to make it a complete museum complex.' During this period, however, the upkeep of the mansion was neglected. 'Things as basic as going to the terrace and cleaning out the leaves, seeing that the drains are functioning properly, and removing a tree growing on the building ensure its longevity,' feels Malavika. And then, tragedy struck when the ceiling of the west wing collapsed some 12-odd years after this restoration. A better future But there was a silver lining to the incident – it kick-started the journey towards another attempt to restore it. 'Repeated attention to the west wing roof collapse set the ball rolling,' recalls Akhila, expanding on the series of events which made this grand restoration possible. According to her, the University of Mysore approached Heritage Matters, a Bengaluru-based heritage conservation firm, which has had a long association with DHFI, for help with restoration. At around the same time, the U.S. consulate was seeking grantees for AFCP, a 'grant programme (that) draws on U.S. resources to support the preservation of historic buildings and monuments, archeological sites, museum collections, ethnographic objects, paintings, manuscripts and indigenous languages and other forms of traditional cultural expression,' as the consulate's website puts it. So, the U.S. Consulate approached DHFI, which nominated JVM's west wing for structural restoration, and after a long process, a grant of $300,000 was awarded to the University for the project. 'Soon after, Mr. Harish Shah of HBSF visited the JVM and was immediately convinced about the project,' adds Akhila, who thinks of this entire chain of events as 'serendipitous.' The foundation got on board as a donor, giving DHFI a 'very generous' grant of ₹ 30 crore towards the restoration of the JVM in January 2024. Currently, four separate teams are working on different aspects of the project simultaneously: an architectural restoration team, a collections team, a digital imaging team, and an object conservation team. There is also a local architectural firm contributing to the interiors and design of new interventions. Akhila says that the architectural restoration of the building is occurring in parallel with experts studying the collections carefully, 'looking at each object, giving it a new accession number, recording its details and setting up a system where the object is technically imaged. 'For this, DHFI and HBSF commissioned Nefos, a custom-built platform, to enable comprehensive documentation and tracking of each object.' The conservation team then examines each object, assesses its condition, and identifies the critical areas requiring treatment. 'We are working towards making these objects more accessible in fun ways for people to understand, interact with, and learn from them.' Cultural centre The long-term plan for JVM, however, goes far beyond restoring the building and the collection, with the team also hoping to start a cultural and educational centre here that will ensure a degree of financial sustainability. 'DHFI is passionate about coming up with ways to see how it can sustain itself financially in the long run to ensure that we are not handing over a white elephant to the authorities,' says Akhila. In a country where heritage conservation is not a priority, heritage buildings like this can survive only if they can pay for themselves, she believes, an opinion echoed by Dr. Philon. 'Jayalakshmi Vilas Museum will be a centre for diverse activities that provide the means to maintain its buildings and collections,' she says, offering examples of some planned activities, which include restaurants, a museum shop, and a range of educational programmes. 'The Deccan Heritage Foundation has consistently prioritised sustainability in its restoration projects by cultivating the necessary local skills.'
India.com
6 days ago
- India.com
Spending 24 Hours Without A Map In Mysuru City – Where Will You End Up
Mysuru, which is also known as the 'City of Palaces', is a beautiful amalgamation of history, culture, and modernity. With its majestic buildings, sprawling gardens, and rich history, it is a city that carries a portfolio of tourism. But, what if I told you that one day you had to spend in Mysore without Google Maps and do not have any guide, just your gut and thirst for wanderlust to take the reins? Where do you think you would end up? For us, the answer is the allure of the city, its hospitable people, and the excitement of getting lost in unfamiliar places. The Morning: Relaxation At Chamundi Hills If you're in a new area without a map, you might start your journey by the first attraction that catches your eye or by talking to the locals. Most people living in Mysuru will always start their day by visiting the Chamundeshwari Temple located in the Chamundi hills. If you are fortunate, a sympathetic auto-rickshaw driver or a bystander may guide you in this direction. As you climb the hill, there is a sweeping view of Mysore below you. The temple of goddess chamundeshwari serves as a zenith for religious devotees. Another one of the breathtaking views is the gigantic Nandi cow statue located half up the hill. For those who navigate the city without a guide, these patterns can help with the region's spiritual feeling. Mid-Morning: The Heart of Mysore Never Disappoints Once you finish your hike up Chamundi hill, you will most likely make your way to the city center. The scrambles of streets that strewn throughout Mysuru are rather intriguing, and with no guidebook, you are sure to come across something of interest. Devaraja Market is unlike anything you will ever see – it's filled with flowers, spices, and the lively atmosphere of locals in each and every stall. You may find yourself buying sandalwood souvenirs or even trying out Mysore Pak for the first time, all while appreciating the energy of the city. Afternoon: The Palace of Mysore Will Restore Your Faith in Royals As the clock ticks further into the day, you may want to take a look at the stunning Mysore Palace. The grandeur and shine of the palace can easily be seen from a distance, even if you aren't using any navigational aids. The locals are always more than willing to help you make your way to the palace. It displays majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture which speaks of Mysuru's royal past. As you meander through its richly decorated rooms and endless designs, you will surely be left in amazement at the riches that the Wadiyar dynasty possessed. Lunch: A Culinary Adventure It would not be abnormal for your stomach to be growling at this point, and especially without any sort of plan, it seems you are left to your sense of smell. It is possible that the scent of Mysore's traditional food might guide you to some local place to eat. From simple dosa booths to elegant restaurants, Mysore's culinary landscape has much to offer. Do not be astonished if you somehow find yourself in a restaurant called Vinayaka Mylari, known for their famous dosas which melt in the mouth. Listening to the locals will most definitely get you the best culinary satisfaction. Evening: Strolling Through Brindavan Gardens Progressively as you go on, your spontaneous exploration of the city could bring you to the outskirts. These gardens are located beside the Krishnarajasagar Dam, making them a favorite for evening walkers. If you do not have a map at your disposal, you might have to depend on a bus or the goodwill of a stranger to find your way there. These gardens are beautified with musical fountains with surrounding greenery making it such an awesome place to relax. As night beckons, the gardens which are open for public viewing are indeed stunning boasting a site which makes it perfect for the concluding photo, and with it the end of your day. Night: Discovering the Cultural Heart of Mysore Mysore during the night feels like a city that is full of lights and culture. Most people who choose to stroll aimlessly without a map are most likely to witness local street performances or encounter some artist showcasing their skills. One may catch a glimpse of Mysore's love for art in the form of local music and dance performances that take over the city's evenings. No matter what you stumble upon, you are sure to experience the city's essence. Thoughts on the Journey Finding yourself in Mysore for an entire day truly sounds amazing, but spending 24 hours in the city without a plan sounds like a full-blown adventure. A stroll about the city with no limits to immerse yourself in the culture sounds like the perfect break. The sheer beauty of Mysore lies in the fact that no matter how many times you may visit the city, it never fails to surprise you. Be it a conversation with a local, a beautiful hidden temple or a quaint cafe, the city takes you on a ride full of unexpected and unforgettable experiences. Ultimately, it doesn't matter where you end up because the journey is what matters. Mysuru, rich in culture, ensures that every stop is a new discovery and every moment is worth remembering. So next time you are in this fantastic city, throw the map away and let the city guide you. You'd be surprised at looking at what you will find!
Deccan Herald
25-05-2025
- Business
- Deccan Herald
Not interested in becoming KSDL brand ambassador: Yaduveer Wadiyar
Wadiyar said, 'The Mysuru royal family is not involved in commercial services. We will always be in favour of Kannada brands.'
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Unacceptable to appoint Tamannaah as brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal soap: Yaduveer
1 2 Mysuru: A day after state govt appointed actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal soap, Mysore MP Yaduveer Wadiyar on Friday strongly criticised the govt's decision, calling it "inappropriate, irresponsible, and deeply disrespectful to Kannada identity." Mysore Sandal soap is a legacy product manufactured by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a company founded in 1916 by Mysuru Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the brand, the BJP MP condemned the Congress-led govt's move as "foolish" and "insensitive." "This institution was established by our own Maharaja over a century ago and has been part of Kannada households for generations. The majority of its consumers are Kannadigas," Wadiyar said. "To choose a non-Kannada-speaking actress with no cultural or emotional ties to Karnataka as the face of such a heritage brand is not only absurd, but unacceptable," he said. "If a brand ambassador was truly necessary, govt should have selected a prominent Kannada actress who represents the spirit and values of Karnataka," he said. "Tamannaah Bhatia neither speaks the language nor understands the cultural ethos of our state. Her appointment does a disservice and hurts the sentiments of Kannadigas," he added. Wadiyar demanded the immediate withdrawal of the appointment. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
