History of Bangalore

The Rendition & Dewans

Krishnaraja Wodeyar III sent many representations to various men in power and even sent Dr.Campbell, his family surgeon to England in 1864 to represent his case for restoration of power. The Raja succeeded in creating a lobby in his favor even in London. The British Government took a decision to restore the adopted son to the throne. The Raja died in 1868 and his adopted son Chamarajendra Wodeyar X was crowned in March 1881. After the Rendition many administrative changes were introduced. The post of the Commissioner was abolished and a British Resident was appointed at the Mysore Court. The post of Dewan was created and he was to be the head of the administrative machinery.

Dewan Rangacharulu
C.Rangacharulu was appointed as the first Dewan of Mysore after the Rendition. The Dewan introduced great economy in administration, floated public loans and undertook public works to provide jobs to the unemployed peasant. Bangalore-Mysore Railway line was completed in 1882 with a total cost of Rs.43 lakhs. The Bangalore Palace building constructed by an officer, was purchased by royalty in 1882.

Sheshadri Iyer
Sir K.Sheshadri Iyer succeeded as the Dewan of Mysore after the death of Rangacharulu in 1883. He was a wise and talented administrator and was responsible for implementing many schemes aimed at the progress of the state. It was during his time that gold mining was started in Kolar in 1886. Sheshadri Iyer undertook extensive plantation program, especially of coffee. The Sivasamudra hydro-electric project was implemented by him in 1899-1900. Electricity was supplied to the K.G.F in 1902 and to Bangalore in 1905. 

Dewan Visveswaraya
Sir M.Visveswaraya became the Dewan in 1912 and his Dewanship is especially for the development in the field of Industries. He did much for the Industrialization of Mysore. A number of projects and Industries were implemented during Sir M.Visveswaraya's Dewanship. They included the starting of the Krishnarajasagara Dam at Kannambadi, the founding of the Iron Works at Bhadravathi and the Mysore Bank with Bangalore as the headquarters, Sandal Oil Factory at Mysore and several other Projects.The Mysore Chamber of Commerce was also inaugurated in 1916.
It was Visveswaraya's desire to improve the conditions in the country so as to make it economically prosperous, scientifically progressive, industrially sound and well advanced. He was the true architect of modern Mysore and by his indefatigable work he made Mysore a model state.

Dewan Mirza Ismail
Sir Mirza Ismail was appointed Dewan of Mysore in 1926 and the period of his administration was an eventful one. He built the superstructure on the foundations laid by Sir M.Visveswaraya. His period saw the state making substantial progress in the fields of Industries both in the private and public sectors. Among them mention may be made of cement factory, the Chemical and Fertilizers factory and Sugar mills. He was an able administrator and set an inspiring example to the officials by undertaking extensive tours and personally looking to the grievances of the people. During his time the Medical College was established in Mysore. He was also responsible for the laying of Brindavan Gardens near Krishnarajasagar.