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Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar
ನಾಲ್ವಡಿ ಕೃಷ್ಣರಾಜ ಒಡೆಯರ್
The Rajarshi of Mysore — the most beloved of its kings
Years
1884 – 1940
Known as
Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV — the Maharaja of Mysore
Birthplace
Mysore, Karnataka
Field
Kings & Strategists
“The throne exists for the people — their welfare is the only glory of a king.”
— Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar
The Story
Born in 1884, Krishnaraja Wodeyar ascended the throne of Mysore in 1902 after a regency. From the start he devoted himself to the welfare of his people, working with great Dewans like Visvesvaraya and Mirza Ismail to make Mysore the most progressive state in Bhārat.
Under his rule Mysore achieved what no other state could: universal education ahead of its time, the great Krishna Raja Sagara dam, the steel works at Bhadravati, the founding of the University of Mysore, and pioneering industries. His government introduced welfare measures, encouraged science and the arts, and made Mysore the envy of the princely states.
He was honoured by his people as Rajarshi, the kingly sage, for his simple life and his devotion to their welfare. He died in 1940, and his people mourned him as a father. His statue stands before the Vidhana Soudha today — the most beloved king of the state of Karnataka.
Core Ideas
Rajarshi
'The kingly sage' — the title his people gave him.
Universal Education
His state led Bhārat in learning.
The KRS Dam
The great dam and industries built under his rule.
The University
He founded the University of Mysore.
The People's King
Loved and mourned as a father by his subjects.
Why it matters today
Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar is remembered as the greatest ruler in the history of Mysore and one of the model kings of the world — a ruler who placed the welfare of his people above every glory. His state's institutions still serve Karnataka, and his name is honoured as the Rajarshi who made Mysore great.