Mysore

The Siege of Seringapatam, also known as the Fourth Mysore War, culminated in the death of Tipu Sultan on May 4, 1799. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, fought fiercely against the British East India Company and their allies. He was known as the 'Tiger of Mysore' for his resistance against British colonization. His death marked the end of the Kingdom of Mysore's independence, which subsequently came under British control. This event was a turning point in the history of South India as it marked the fall of one of the most formidable opponents of British rule.

In 1897, the Diamond Jubilee of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X was celebrated marking 60 years of his rule. This grand celebration was a significant event in the princely state of Mysore. The festival included various cultural programs and exhibitions showcasing the rich heritage of Mysore. Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X was known for his progressive administration, which contributed to the development of Mysore as a culturally rich and literarily vibrant state. This event is remembered for its elaborate celebrations and for reinforcing the status of the Wadiyar dynasty.

The University of Mysore was established on December 10, 1907, becoming the first university in Karnataka and one of the first in India. It was founded by then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, based on the recommendations of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, to promote higher education in the region. The university has since become a leading institution of higher learning in India, offering various undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. It has played a significant role in the educational advancement of the region and has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.

The Krishnarajasagara Dam, one of the major landmarks in Mysore, was inaugurated on August 10, 1912. Located across the Kaveri River, the dam was named after Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV who funded the project. Designed by the legendary engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the dam was a massive engineering feat at the time. It is well known not only for being a crucial irrigation and drinking water source but also for the Brindavan Gardens, which were developed below the dam and have become a major tourist attraction. This project was significant in establishing Mysore as a modern princely state with a focus on infrastructure.

The Mysore Economic Conference in 1944 was a significant event where thinkers and leaders gathered to discuss and formulate economic strategies for post-independence India. The conference, held in Mysore, addressed various issues related to agricultural development, industrialization, and economic planning. It was instrumental in shaping the economic policies that would later be adopted at the national level after India gained independence in 1947. The Mysore Economic Conference is remembered for its role in fostering intellectual dialogue and contributing to the foundation of modern India's economic planning and development strategies.

On November 1, 1956, the princely state of Mysore was merged with the newly reorganized Mysore State, which later became Karnataka. The reorganization was part of a nationwide effort to structure Indian states along linguistic lines, with Kannada as the official language in Karnataka. The formation of Karnataka marked a new chapter in the region's history, integrating diverse areas with distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical backgrounds into a single administrative entity. This event is a major milestone in Karnataka's history as it laid the foundation for the modern state and set the stage for its development in various sociopolitical and economic spheres.

Infosys Technologies, one of the largest IT services companies in India, was founded in 1979 by N. R. Narayana Murthy and six other engineers in Pune. The company later moved its headquarters to Bangalore, Karnataka. As one of India's largest and most respected companies, Infosys played a crucial role in the IT boom in India and contributed significantly to the technological transformation of Karnataka. The growth of companies like Infosys is seen as a catalyst for Bangalore's rise as one of the world’s leading IT hubs, which has brought economic growth and global recognition to the region.

The state of Mysore was officially renamed to Karnataka on November 1, 1981, to reflect its geographical and cultural identification more accurately. This change was intended to represent the broader identity of the people across the state rather than just the Mysore region. The renaming was accompanied by celebrations and was seen as a step towards acknowledging the rich diversity and unity within the state. This event strengthened the sense of unity among the people and was a significant move in the post-independence period to consolidate the state’s identity.

India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project, which led to the creation of Tejas, was launched in 1983 under the leadership of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bangalore, Karnataka. Tejas was developed to replace the aging MiG-21 fighter jets and enhance India's indigenous defense capabilities. As a multi-role combat aircraft, Tejas represents a milestone in Indian aerospace engineering and has been integrated into the Indian Air Force. The project highlights the advancements in defense technology within Karnataka, particularly Bangalore, which has grown into a leading center for aerospace and defense industries in India.

Sudha Murty, chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, began several charitable initiatives in Karnataka, including significant contributions to education and literacy. On July 14, 1993, she spearheaded a project to build numerous libraries and schools across the state, providing resources to underprivileged communities. Her work has led to the construction of thousands of libraries and donation of thousands of books, significantly improving literacy rates and educational opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas of Karnataka. Sudha Murty is celebrated for her philanthropy and commitment to social causes, making an impact on countless students and educators.