Mysore 70023 226135464 2008-07-16T23:48:30Z 82.43.91.217 {{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction |native_name=Mysuru - ಮೈಸೂರು |other_name=Mysore |locator_position=right |skyline=Mysore Palace Night.jpg |skyline_caption=[[Mysore Palace]] |latd = 12.30|longd=76.65 |state_name=Karnataka |district=[[Mysore District]] |leader_title=Mayor |leader_name= Ayub Khan<ref name="mayo">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/19/stories/2008021954560300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=2008-02-19|title=Ayub Khan is Mysore Mayor|accessdate=2008-05-27}}</ref> |altitude=763 |population_as_of = 2001 |population_total = 799228 |population_density = 6223.55 |area_magnitude = 9 |area_total=128.42 |area_total_cite = <ref name="swm"/>{{rp|p.04}} |area_telephone= 91-(0)821 |postal_code= 570 0xx |vehicle_code_range= KA-09, KA-55 |unlocode=IN MYQ |footnotes = }} {{otheruses}} '''Mysore''' ({{pronEng|maɪˈsɔɚ}} in English {{audio2|Mysore.ogg}}; to be renamed '''Mysuru''') ({{lang-kn|ಮೈಸೂರು}}) is the second largest city in the state of [[Karnataka]], [[India]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Mysore district]] and the [[Mysore division]] and lies about {{convert|146|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Bangalore]], the capital of Karnataka. The name ''Mysore'' is an anglicised version of ''Mahishūru'', which means the abode of ''Mahisha''. ''Mahisha'' stands for [[Mahishasura]], a demon from the [[Hindu mythology]]. The city is spread across an area of {{convert|128.42|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} and is situated at the base of the [[Chamundi Hills]]. Until 1947, Mysore was the capital of the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] which was ruled by the [[Wodeyar|Wodeyar dynasty]], except for a brief period in the late 18th century when [[Haidar Ali]] and [[Tipu Sultan]] took power. The Wodeyars were patrons of art and culture and have contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city, which has led to Mysore earning the sobriquet ''[[Culture of Mysore|Cultural capital of Karnataka]]''. Mysore is famous for the festivities that take place during the [[Mysore Dasara|Dasara]] festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. Mysore also lends its name to the [[Mysore painting|Mysore style of painting]], the sweet dish [[Mysore Pak]] and the garment, Mysore [[silk]] [[saree]]. While tourism is the major industry in Mysore, the growth of information technology related industry in the first decade of the 21st century, has resulted in the city emerging as the [[Software industry in Karnataka|second largest software exporter]] in the state of Karnataka, next to Bangalore. Though lacking an airport, Mysore is connected to other parts of India by railways and road transport. Mysore is also the location of [[Mysore University]], whose alumni include [[Kuvempu]], [[Gopalakrishna Adiga]], [[S. L. Bhyrappa]], [[U. R. Ananthamurthy]] and [[N.R. Narayana Murthy]]. The [[All India Radio]], the premier radio broadcasting arm of the [[Government of India]] had its beginnings here. ==History== {{See|Kingdom of Mysore}} According to Hindu mythology, the area around Mysore was known as ''Mahishūru'' and was ruled by a demon, ''[[Mahishasura]]''.<ref name="orig">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/nov32006/sesame1148592006112.asp|author=Rashmi Vasudeva|title=Land of milk and honey|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2006-11-03]]|accessdate=2007-11-12}}</ref> The demon was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari, whose temple is situated atop the [[Chamundi Hills]]. ''Mahishūru'' later became ''Mahisūru'' and finally came to be called Maisūru, its present name in the [[Kannada language]].<ref name="dejagou">Deve Gowda Javare Gowda(1998), p82</ref> The anglicised form of the name is ''Mysore''.<ref name="orig"/> In December 2005, the Government of Karnataka announced its intention to change the English name of the city to ''Mysuru''.<ref name="ann">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/19/stories/2005121906010600.htm|title= They will be Belagavi, Mangalooru, Mysuru from November next|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-12-19]]|accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref> This has been approved by the [[Government of India]] but the necessary formalities to incorporate the name change are yet to be completed.<ref name="namc">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/02/stories/2007110260410400.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-11-02]]|title= Rajyotsava celebrated without usual fanfare|accessdate=2007-12-05}}</ref> [[Image:Mahisha.jpg|thumb|Statue of the demon [[Mahishasura]] atop the [[Chamundi Hills]]]] The region where Mysore city stands now was known as ''Puragere'' till the 15th century.<ref name="myshis">B L Rice (1897), p31</ref> The ''Mahishūru Fort'' was constructed in 1524 by Chamaraja Wodeyar III (1513&ndash;1553), who later passed on the dominion of ''Puragere'' to his son Chamaraja Wodeyar IV (1572&ndash;1576). Since the 16th century, the name of ''Mahishūru'' (later ''Mysore'') has been commonly used to denote the city.<ref name="myshis"/> During the rule of the [[Vijayanagara Empire]], the [[Mysore Kingdom]] under [[Wodeyar]]s, served as a [[feudatory]]. Mysore was the center of the [[Wodeyar]] administration till 1610 when Raja Wodeyar ousted the Vijayanagara governor at nearby [[Srirangapatna]] and made it his capital. With the demise of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565, the Mysore Kingdom gradually achieved independence and became a sovereign state by the time of King Narasaraja Wodeyar (1637).<ref name="indi">Kamath (2001), p228</ref> When the kingdom came under the rule of [[Tipu Sultan]], he demolished much of Mysore town to remove any traces of the Wodeyar rule.<ref name="dem">B L Rice (1897), p281</ref> After Tipu Sultan's death in the [[Fourth Anglo-Mysore War]] in 1799, the capital of the kingdom was moved back to Mysore.<ref name="cap">Kamath (2001), p249</ref><ref>{{cite book | author=Various authors | title=Kannada Vishwakosha | publisher=University of Mysore | year=1998| id=Volume 12}}</ref> The administration was looked after by [[Diwan (title)|Diwan]] Purnaiah, since the Wodeyar king [[Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar]] was a minor. Purnaiah is credited to have been responsible for many improvements in the Mysore city, mainly in relation to [[public works]].<ref name="imp">Kamath (2001), p249</ref> In 1831, Mysore lost its status as the administrative centre of the kingdom when Mark Cubbon, the British commissioner, moved the capital to [[Bangalore]].<ref name="cant">Kamath (2001), p251</ref> However it regained this status in 1881, when the British handed the power back to the Wodeyars.<ref name="red">Kamath (2001), p254</ref> The city remained the capital of the Wodeyars till 1947 with [[Mysore Palace]] as the centre of administration. [[Image:Myspalbang.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Entrance to the Ambavilas Palace, commonly known as [[Mysore Palace]]]] The Mysore municipality was established in 1888 and the city was divided into 8 wards.<ref name="muni">B L Rice (1897), p283</ref> In 1897, an outbreak of [[bubonic plague]] killed nearly half of the population of the city.<ref name="plag">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/07/stories/2005070713620200.htm|title= A museum to showcase Mysore's history|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-07-07]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> With the establishment of the City Improvement Trust Board (CITB) in 1903, Mysore became one of the first cities in Asia to undertake a planned development of the city.<ref name="citb">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/08/26/stories/2004082610690300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2004-08-26]]|title= Tree ownership rights to growers may boost green cover|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> When the [[Quit India Movement]] was launched in the early 1940s, Mysore city also played a part in it. Leaders of the [[Indian independence movement|independence movement]] like H. C. Dasappa and Sahukar Channayya were at the forefront during the agitations.<ref name="quitind">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/08/10/stories/2006081013920300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-05-21]]|title= Procession taken out to mark Quit India movement|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> The Maharaja's College hostel was the nerve centre from where the movement was controlled in the Mysore district and the Subbarayana Kere ground was an important location for public demonstrations. After the Indian independence, Mysore city remained as a part of the [[Mysore State]] under India. [[Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar]], the then king of Mysore, was allowed to retain his titles and was nominated as the [[Rajapramukh]] of the state. He died in September 1974 and was cremated in Mysore city.<ref name="crem">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/09/22/stories/2006092200050300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-09-22]]|title= Maharajah of music|author=Sriram Venkatkrishnan|accessdate=2007-11-21}}</ref> Over the years, Mysore has become well known as a centre for tourism and the city has remained largely peaceful, except for occasional riots related to the [[Kaveri River Water Dispute|Kaveri river water dispute]].<ref name="tour"/> Some of the events that took place in Mysore and made national headlines were the fire at [[Premier Studios]] that claimed the lives of many people, the sudden deaths of many animals at the Mysore Zoo and the [[National Anthem of India|National Anthem]] controversy that happened on the campus at Infosys.<ref name="fire">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/aug012004/ac2.asp|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2004-08-01]]|author=S N Deepak|title=A doyen of film production|accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref><ref name="mz">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2004/10/08/stories/2004100800190300.htm|work=The Hindu Business Line|date=[[2004-10-08]]|title=Caring in captivity|author=M. J. Krishna|accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref><ref name="naticon">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/11/stories/2007041112340400.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-04-11]]|title= An avoidable row|accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref> ==Geography== [[Image:Chamundi Hills Mysore.jpg|thumb|[[Chamundi Hills]]; at the base of which the city of Mysore is situated]] Mysore is located at {{coor d|12.30|N|76.65|E|}} and has an average altitude of {{convert|770|m|ft|0}}.<ref name="clim">{{cite web|url=http://www.google.co.in/books?id=BIGvZqG2JG4C&pg=PA110&dq=Mysore+770&as_brr=3&sig=67NNbsZctrs2F4gKoFlUphWdkYM|title=Climate and clothing|work=Bangalore-Mysore, p110|publisher=1994, Orient Longman|author=Afried Raman|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> It is situated in the southern region of the state of Karnataka, at the base of the [[Chamundi Hill]]s and spreads across an area of {{convert|128.42|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="swm">{{rp|p.04}}{{cite web|url=http://mysorecity.gov.in/forms/SWM.pdf|format=PDF|work=Official webpage of Mysore city|title=Action Plan for Solid Waste Management, Mysore City Corporation|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> The summer season is from March to June, followed by the [[monsoon]] season from July to November and the winter season from December to February.<ref name="clim"/> The highest temperature recorded in Mysore was {{convert|38.5|°C|°F|abbr=on|lk=on|0}} on [[May 4]], [[2006]] and in winter, temperatures as low as {{convert|9.6|°C|°F|abbr=on|lk=on|0}} have been recorded.<ref name="hight">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/10/stories/2007041013990500.htm|author=R. Krishna Kumar|title= Severe heat wave likely to hit Mysore in the next few weeks|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-04-10]]|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref><ref name="lowt">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Nov182007/weather.asp|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2007-11-18]]|title=Weather|accessdate=2007-11-28}}</ref> The average annual rainfall received by the city is {{convert|798.2|mm|in|abbr=on|lk=on|0}}.<ref name="swm"/>{{rp|p.04}} Though Mysore is situated in the relatively safe [[seismic]] zone II, earthquakes of magnitude greater than 4.5 on the [[Richter magnitude scale|Richter scale]] have been recorded in the vicinity of the city.<ref name="seis">{{cite web|url=http://www.imd.ernet.in/section/seismo/static/seismo-zone.htm|work=The Indian Meteorological Department|title=Seismic-zoning Map|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref><ref name="inten">{{rp|p.1071}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/oct252001/1068.pdf|format=PDF|title=Tectonic resurgence of the Mysore plateau and surrounding regions in cratonic Southern India|work=Current Science, Vol. 81, NO. 8|date=[[2001-10-25]]|author=K. S. Valdiya|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> <br /> [[Image:Mysore Lake.JPG|thumb|left|Karanji lake in Mysore]] Mysore has several lakes, prominent among are the [[Kukkarahalli lake|Kukkarahalli]], [[Karanji Lake|Karanji]] and [[Lingambudhi Lake|Lingambudhi]] lakes. In 2001, percentage of total land area in Mysore city occupied by residences, roads, park and open spaces, industries, public property, commercial establishments, agriculture and bodies of water were 39.9%, 16.1%, 13.74%, 13.48%, 8.96%, 3.02%, 2.27% and 2.02% respectively.<ref name="cdp">{{rp|p.35}}{{cite web|url=http://jnnurm.nic.in/toolkit/MysoreCdp/MysoreCDP.pdf|format=PDF|work=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Government of India|title=Mysore City Development Plan|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> Mysore is situated between the rivers [[Kaveri River|Kaveri]] and [[Kabini River|Kabini]], which are a source of drinking water to the city.<ref name="cdp"/>{{rp|p.53}} The city got its first piped water supply when the Belagola project was commissioned in 1896.<ref name="bela">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/07/stories/2007050713220300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-05-07]]|title= Second stage of Melapura water project inaugurated|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> At present, water is supplied to Mysore in the volume of 42.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;gallons per day from three projects; Hongally (III Stages), Belagola and Melapur and this reaches 85% of households. Mysore sometimes faces water crises, mainly during the months of summer and in years of deficient rainfall.<ref name="cris">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/12/stories/2007061213630300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-06-12]]|author=R. Krishna Kumar|title=Is Mysore city heading for a water crisis?|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> The city has had an underground drainage system since 1904 and the entire sewage from the city drains into four valleys; Kesare, Malalavadi, Dalavai and Belavatha.<ref name="cdp"/>{{rp|p.56}} ==Civic administration== [[Image:CESCOM Mysore.jpg|thumb|Office of the Chamundeshwari Electrical Supply Corporation in Mysore]] The civic administration of the city is managed by the Mysore City Corporation, which was established as a municipality in 1888 and later converted into a corporation in 1977. The corporation oversees the engineering works, health, sanitation, water supply, administration and taxation in the city. It is headed by a mayor who is assisted by commissioners and council members.<ref name="cdp"/>{{rp|p.43}} The city is divided into 65 wards and the council members (also known as ''corporators'') are elected by the citizens of Mysore every five years.<ref name="corpo">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/28/stories/2007062858650300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-06-28]]|title= NGOs welcome formation of ward panels|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> The council members in turn elect the mayor. The annual budget of the Corporation for the year 2007&ndash;2008 is [[Indian Rupee|Rs.]]&nbsp;11,443.89&nbsp;lakh (US$28.6 million).<ref name="mcc">{{cite web|url=http://mysorecity.gov.in/|work=Official webpage of Mysore city|title=City of Mysore|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> The growth and expansion of the city is managed by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), which is headed by a commissioner. Its activities include developing new layouts and roads, town planning and land acquisition.<ref name="muda">{{cite web|url=http://www.mudamysore.org/home.asp|work=The Mysore Urban Development Authority|title=MUDA|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> One of the major projects undertaken by MUDA is the creation of an Outer Ring Road in Mysore, which is expected to ease traffic congestion.<ref name="orr">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/14/stories/2004021409890300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2004-02-14]]|title= Outer Ring Road may ease traffic woes in Mysore|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> On the contrary, MUDA has faced criticism from citizens of Mysore for its inability to ensure that sufficient sites are allotted to house residents of the city.<ref name="domi">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/02/stories/2006050212260500.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-05-02]]|title=Forum says land mafia is thriving in Mysore|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> The electrical supply to the city is managed by the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation.<ref name="cescom">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/29/stories/2005012905600400.htm|title=Council passes amendment Bill|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-01-29]]|accessdate=2007-12-13}}</ref> The citizens of Mysore elect four representatives to the [[Karnataka legislature|Legislative assembly of Karnataka]] through the constituencies of Chamaraja, Krishnaraja, Narasimharaja and Chamundeshwari.<ref name="assem">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/04/stories/2004030409380300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2004-03-04]]|title= Triangular contest likely in four Assembly seats|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> Mysore city, being a part of the larger Mysore Lok Sabha constituency, also elects one member to the [[Lok Sabha]], the lower house of the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]]. The politics in the city is dominated by three political parties, the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC), the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) and the [[Janata Dal (Secular)]] (JDS).<ref name="assem"/> ==Demographics== [[Image:Chamundi-hills.jpg|thumb|Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hills]] According to the census of 2001, Mysore city had a total population of 799,228 with 406,363 males and 392,865 females, making it the second largest city in Karnataka.<ref name="scondl">{{rp|p.06}}{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/towns/krn_towns.pdf|format=PDF|work=Census of India|title=Alphabetical list of towns and their population|accessdate=2001-11-15}}</ref><ref name="pop">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindiamaps.net|work=Census of India|title=Mysore Population|accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> The gender ratio of the city is 967&nbsp;females to every 1000&nbsp;males and the population density is 6223.55&nbsp;persons per km². Among the population, 76.76% are [[Hindus]], 19% are [[Muslims]], 2.84% are [[Christians]] and the remaining belong to other religions.<ref name="reg">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/Religion_WhizMap1/housemap.htm|work=Census GIS India|title=Religion|accessdate=2007-11-27}}</ref> The city's population crossed the 100,000 mark in the census of 1931 and has seen a population growth of 20.5% in the decade 1991&ndash;2001. The literacy rate of the city is 82.8%, which is much higher than the state's average of 67%.<ref name="cdp"/>{{rp|p.32}} [[Kannada language|Kannada]] is the most widely spoken language in the city. Nineteen percent of the population in Mysore live below the poverty line and 8.95% of the population live in [[slum]]s. Though 35.7% of the population in the urban areas of Karnataka are workers, only 33.3% of the population in Mysore city belong to the working class.<ref name="pop"/> People belonging to [[Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes|Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes]] contribute to 15.1% of the population.<ref name="pop"/> Mysore has seen a spurt in crime with 805 incidents of crime reported in 2005, higher than the 510 incidents of crime reported in 2003.<ref name="crim">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jan122006/district1713332006111.asp|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2006-01-12]]|title=Crime rate hits all time high|accessdate=2007-11-21}}</ref> The residents of the city are known as ''Mysoreans'' in [[English language|English]] and ''Mysoorinavaru'' in Kannada. The [[Kaveri River Water Dispute|ongoing dispute]] between the states of [[Karnataka]] and [[Tamil Nadu]] over the sharing of the [[Kaveri River]] water, has frequent repercussions in the city leading to minor altercations and demonstrations.<ref name="kave">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/13/stories/2007021313660300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-02-13]]|title=Cauvery verdict: bandh total, peaceful in Mysore city|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> Growth in the [[Information Technology]] industry in Mysore has led to a change in the demographic profile of the city and has been a cause of concern for some citizens of the city.<ref name="chag">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/02/stories/2006010215120300.htm|title= Concern expressed over impact of anticipated IT boom on Mysore|author=Liaqh A. Khan|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-01-02]]|accessdate=2007-09-25}}</ref> ==Business and economy== [[Image:Mysore Infy bldg.jpg|thumb|A building in the [[Infosys]] campus at Mysore]] Traditionally, Mysore has been home to industries such as weaving, sandalwood carving, bronzework and the production of lime and salt.<ref name="histin">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2103/stories/20040213002008900.htm|title= A city in transition|author=Ravi Sharma|work=The Frontline, Volume 21 - Issue 03|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref> The planned industrial growth of the city and the state was first envisaged in the ''Mysore economic conference'', held in 1911.<ref name="mec">{{cite web|url=http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/dream/feb2000/article1.htm|work=The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India|title=Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref><ref name="histin"/> This led to the establishment of industries such as the Mysore Sandalwood Oil Factory in 1917 and the Sri Krishnarajendra Mills in 1920.<ref name="indu">Hayavadana Rao(1929), p278</ref><ref name="indu1">Hayavadana Rao(1929), p270</ref> In a survey conducted in 2001 by ''Business Today'', the business arm of [[India Today]], Mysore was ranked the 5th best city in India in which to conduct business.<ref name="rank5">{{cite web|url=http://www.india-today.com/btoday/20011223/cover.html|work=The Business Today|date=[[2001-12-23]]|title=India's Best Cities For Business, 2001|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> Mysore has emerged as the hub of the [[tourism industry]] in Karnataka, attracting about 2.5 million tourists in 2006.<ref name="tourin">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081755371000.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-08-17]]|author=R. Krishna Kumar|title= Mysore Palace beats Taj Mahal in popularity|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> For the industrial development of the city, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has established four industrial areas in and around Mysore and are located in Belagola, Belawadi, Hebbal (Electronic City) and Hootagalli areas.<ref name="indarea">{{cite web|url=http://kiadb.kar.nic.in/industrialareas/industrialareas.htm|title=KIADB Industrial Areas|work=The Karnataka Industrial Development Board|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref> The major industries in Mysore include [[BEML]], J. K. Tyres, [[Wipro]], Falcon Tyres, [[L & T]] and [[Infosys]].<ref name="kave"/> Since 2003, information technology companies have been creating bases in Mysore, with the city contributing Rs.&nbsp;760&nbsp;crores (US$190&nbsp;million) to Karnataka's Rs.&nbsp;48,700&nbsp;crores ($12.175&nbsp;billion) IT exports in the financial year 2006&ndash;2007.<ref name="it">{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe_full_story.php?content_id=164868|work=The Financial Express|date=[[2007-05-22]]|title=IT exports from Karnataka cross Rs 50k cr|publisher=2007: Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd.|accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> Infosys has established one of the largest technical training centres in the world and Wipro has established its Global Service Management Center (GSMC) at Mysore.<ref name="techtrain">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/05/02/stories/2006050202400400.htm|work=The Hindu Business Line|date=[[2006-05-02]]|title= Infosys to expand Mysore training centre|author=Vishwanath Kulkarni|accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref><ref name="wipro">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/17/stories/2006031701420200.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-03-17]]|title=Mysore city emerging as alternative IT destination|accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> Non-IT related services have been outsourced from other countries to companies in Mysore.<ref name="sddglobal">{{cite web|url=http://www.abajournal.com/weekly/hollywood_outsourcing_higher_end_legal_work_to_india|work=ABA Journal, Entertainment & Sports Law|date=[[2007-11-12]]|title= Hollywood Outsourcing Higher End Legal Work to India|author=Martha Neil|accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> The industrial sector in the city experienced setbacks when the automobile manufacturer [[Ideal Jawa]] and the Sri Krishnarajendra Mills closed their operations.<ref name="yez">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/10/stories/2007071056570300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-07-10]]|title=When Yezdis and Jawas vroomed past the streets|accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> Revival efforts, such as the takeover of the Krishnarajendra Mills by the Atlantic Spinning and Weaving Mills Ltd. have been made, but these attempts have run into other problems.<ref name="revi">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2000/07/14/stories/04142109.htm|title=Forced labour reports slanderous|work=The Hindu|date=[[2000-07-14]]|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> ==Education== [[Image:Mysore university building.JPG|thumb|Crawford Hall, the administrative headquarters of the [[Mysore University]]]] Before the advent of the English system of education in Mysore, ''agraharas'' imparted the [[Vedic]] system of education to Hindus and [[madrasa]]s served as centres of learning for Muslims.<ref name="gaz1929">Hayavadana Rao (1929), p459</ref> Modern education saw its beginning in Mysore when a free English school was established in 1833.<ref name="hd">{{rp|p.50}}{{cite web|url=http://data.undp.org.in/shdr/kar/Karnataka1999.pdf|format=PDF|work=Human Development in Karnataka 1999|title=Education and Literacy|accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> In 1854, the [[Honourable East India Company|East India Company]] promulgated the ''Halifax Dispatch'' which looked at organising education based on the Western model within the princely state of Mysore.<ref name="gaz1929-1">Hayavadana Rao (1929), p494</ref> The first college to be set up for [[higher education]] in Mysore was the ''Maharajas College'', which was founded in 1864.<ref name="hd"/>{{rp|p.50}} In 1868, the Mysore state decided to establish ''hobli schools'' to extend education to the masses.<ref name="gaz1929-2">Hayavadana Rao (1929), p497</ref> Under this scheme, a school was established in each ''hobli'' (a locality within the city) and the education was free. This led to the establishment of a ''normal school'' in Mysore which imparted coaching to teachers who were meant to teach in the ''hobli schools''. In 1881, a high school exclusively for girls was established and this was later converted into the ''Maharanis Women's College''.<ref name="maharan">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/07/16/stories/0416402i.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2001-07-16]]|title=25 years of service to women's education|accessdate=2007-09-29}}</ref> In 1892, the ''Industrial School'', the first institute to impart [[technical education]] in the city was started and this was followed by the [[Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts|Chamarajendra Technical Institute]] in 1913.<ref name="gaz1929-3">Hayavadana Rao (1929), p601</ref> While the modern system of education was making inroads in the city, colleges such as the ''Mysore Sanskrit college'', which was established in 1876, continued to provide [[Vedic]] education.<ref name="gaz1929-4">Hayavadana Rao (1929), p595</ref> The education system in Mysore received further impetus when the [[Mysore University]] was established in 1916.<ref name="univ">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2103/stories/20040213002409000.htm|work=The Frontline, Volume 21 - Issue 03|title=Record of excellence|author=Ravi Sharma|accessdate=2007-11-28}}</ref> This was the sixth university to be established in India.<ref name="univ"/> It was named ''Manasagangotri'' (literally meaning "fountainhead of the [[Ganges]] of the mind") by the poet laureate, [[Kuvempu]]. The university caters to the districts of [[Mysore district|Mysore]], [[Mandya district|Mandya]], [[Hassan district|Hassan]] and [[Chamarajanagar district|Chamarajanagar]] in Karnataka. About 127 colleges (having a total student population of 53,000) are affiliated with the university. Education in the field of engineering was started in Mysore with the establishment of the [[National Institute of Engineering]] in 1946.<ref name="nie">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/26/stories/2006022604310500.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-02-26]]|title= Agreements with industry to help NIE improve quality of education|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> Currently, the city has five engineering colleges, including the GSSS Institute of Technology and Engineering for Women, the only engineering college for women in the state of Karnataka.<ref name="wom">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/18/stories/2007041814730200.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-04-18]]|title= Carnival time at GSSS women's engineering college|accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> Medical education started in 1930 when the [[Mysore Medical College]] was transferred from Bangalore to Mysore. Other institutes in the city include the [[Central Food and Technological Research Institute]], the Central Institute of Indian Languages and the [[All India Institute of Speech and Hearing]]. ==Art and culture== {{Main|Culture of Mysore}} Known as the ''cultural capital'' of Karnataka,<ref name="culcap">{{cite web|author=The Correspondent|title=Goodbye to old traditions in ‘cultural capital’|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/mar172006/state1751562006316.asp|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2006-03-17]]|publisher=2005, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the period of [[Mysore Dasara|Dasara]], the state festival of Karnataka. The Dasara festivities, which are celebrated over a ten-day period, were first introduced by King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610.<ref name="das">{{cite web|author=Ravi Sharma|url=http://www.flonnet.com/fl2221/stories/20051021005611300.htm|title=Mysore Dasara: A historic festival|work=The Frontline, Volume 22 - Issue 21|accessdate=2007-04-04}}</ref> On the ninth day of Dasara, called ''Mahanavami'', the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession comprising decorated elephants, camels and horses.<ref name="das"/> On the tenth day, called ''[[Vijayadashami]]'', the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as ''Jumboo Savari'') is held on the streets of Mysore city. An image of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden [[mantapa]] on the back of a decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels.<ref name="das"/> The procession starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called ''Bannimantapa'' where the ''banni'' tree (''Prosopis spicigera'') is worshipped.<ref name="das"/> The Dasara festivities culminate on the night of ''[[Vijayadashami]]'' with a torchlight parade (locally known as ''Panjina Kavayatthu'').<ref name="das"/> [[Image:Lilitha Mahal Mysore .JPG|thumb|left|250px|A room in the [[Lalitha Mahal]]]] Mysore is called the ''City of Palaces'' because of the number of palaces situated in the city, including [[Mysore Palace|Amba Vilas]] popularly known as Mysore Palace, [[Jaganmohana Palace]] which has now been converted into an art gallery, [[Rajendra Vilas]] also known as the summer palace, situated in the Chamundi Hills, [[Lalitha Mahal]] which has now been converted into a hotel and [[Jayalakshmi Vilas]], which is now on the University of Mysore premises.<ref name="pal">Raman (1994), ppp87-88</ref> The main palace of Mysore burned down in 1897, and the present-day structure was built on the same site. Externally, Amba Vilas palace exhibits an [[Indo-Saracenic]] architecture style though the interior is distinctly [[Hoysala architecture|Hoysala style of architecture]] in nature.<ref name="ori">Raman (1994), p82</ref> Even though the [[Government of Karnataka]] now maintains the Mysore palace, a small portion of the palace has been allocated for the erstwhile Royal family to live in. The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion was constructed by [[Chamaraja Wodeyar|Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar]] for his daughter Jayalakshammanni. It is now a museum dedicated to folk culture. A new gallery is being added for [[Artifact (archaeology)|artifacts]] and collections of the Wodeyars of Mysore.<ref name="ion">{{cite web|title=Of monumental value |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/apr192005/spectrum1137332005417.asp|author=Priyanka Haldipur|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2005-04-19]]|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> The [[Mysore painting]] style is an offshoot of the [[Vijayanagar]] school of painting. King Raja Wodeyar (1578&ndash;1617 CE) is credited with having been the patron for this style of painting.<ref name="gesso">{{rp|p.01}}{{cite web|url=http://www.indianfolklore.org/pdf/visualart/Mysore.pdf|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20031030072752/http://www.indianfolklore.org/pdf/visualart/Mysore.pdf|archivedate=2003-10-30|format=PDF|title=Mysore Painting|work=Indianfolklore.org|publisher=National Folklore Support Centre|accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref> The distinctive feature of these paintings is the ''gesso'' work in which gold foils are pasted appropriately on the painting.<ref name="gesso"/>{{rp|p.03}} [[Image:Nundi Bull .JPG|thumb|[[Nandi]] in Chamundi hills]] Mysore is the location of the International Ganjifa Research Centre, which is involved in the research of the ancient card game [[Ganjifa]] and the art associated with it.<ref name="ganjifa">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2003/06/08/stories/2003060800150200.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2003-06-08]]|title= A right royal hand|author=Aditi De|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> Mysore is known for [[rosewood]] inlay work, with an estimated 4,000 craftsmen involved in this art.<ref name="rose">{{cite web|author=Pushpa Chari|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/05/30/stories/2002053000390200.htm|title=Intricate Patterns|work=The Hindu|date=[[2002-05-30]]|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> The city lends its name to the ''Mysore [[silk]] [[saree]]'', a ladies' garment, made with pure silk and gold [[zari]].<ref name="silk">{{cite web|url=http://www.ksicsilk.com/mysorefactory.htm|work=Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation|title= Mysore - Silk weaving & Printing silk products|accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref> Mysore has institutes such as the [[Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts]] (CAVA), which offers education in visual art forms like painting, graphics, sculpture, applied art, photography, photo-journalism and art history. The theatre repertory [[Rangayana]] conducts plays and offers certificate courses on subjects related to theatre.<ref name="cava">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/may32006/district193644200652.asp|author=V A Deshpande|title=CAVA — much sought after for visual arts students|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2006-05-03]]|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref><ref name="sponsor">{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jul192005/spectrum14872005718.asp|title=Right on the cue|author=Anjali Kaiappa B B and Islahuddin N S|work=Deccan Herald|date=[[2005-07-19]]|accessdate=2007-08-12}}</ref> Notable Kannada literateurs [[Kuvempu]], [[Gopalakrishna Adiga]] and [[U. R. Ananthamurthy]] have had a long association with Mysore, partly because they had their education there and also served as professors at the Mysore University.<ref name="writers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2004/04/25/stories/2004042500260300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2004-04-25]]|title= The Mysore generation|author=Ramachandra Guha|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> The famous English novelist and creator of [[Malgudi]], [[R. K. Narayan]] and his brother and cartoonist [[R. K. Laxman]] spent much of their life in Mysore.<ref name="writers"/> <BR clear="all"> ==Transport== Mysore does not have a functional airport and the nearest functional airport to the city is the [[Bengaluru International Airport]] at [[Bangalore]]. The Mandakalli airport near the city is being upgraded by the [[Airports Authority of India]] and is expected to be operational by 2009.<ref name="air">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/02/stories/2007020214190300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-02-02]]|title= Mysore airport runway work proceeding at a brisk pace|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> The absence of an airport has been a hindrance to the economic growth of Mysore.<ref name="loss">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/11/stories/2006021114340300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-02-11]]|title='Fab City promoters' decision was on expected lines'|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> [[Image:Mysore railway station.JPG|thumb|200px|Inside the Mysore railway station]] Mysore city has a [[railway station]] and three railway lines connect it to the cities of [[Bangalore]], [[Hassan, India|Hassan]] and [[Chamarajanagar]]. The first railway line established in the city was the Bangalore-Mysore [[metre gauge]] line, which was commissioned in 1882.<ref name="comm">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/03/stories/2004060309430300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2004-06-03]]|title= Mysore Rail Museum celebrates silver jubilee|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> However, all railway lines that serve the city are single track ones which impede faster connectivity to the city. Though there are plans to double at least the Bangalore-Mysore track, the project is yet to be completed.<ref name="soub">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/07/stories/2007070757960500.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-07-07]]|title= MP promises to press for early Bangalore-Mysore line doubling|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> All trains that connect to Mysore are operated by [[Indian Railways]] and the fastest train to serve the city is the [[Shatabdi Express]] which connects it to [[Bangalore]] and [[Chennai]]. Mysore is connected by [[List of National Highways in India|National Highway]] NH-212 to the state border town of [[Gundlupet]] which then forks into the states of [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="nh">{{rp|p.01}}{{cite web|url=http://www.kar.nic.in/pwd/mis2005/Map%201%20of%20MIS%20report.pdf|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070615001645/http://www.kar.nic.in/pwd/mis2005/Map+1+of+MIS+report.pdf|archivedate=2007-06-15|format=PDF|work=The National Informatics Centre|title=National Highways in Karnataka|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> The high traffic State Highway 17 which connects Mysore to Bangalore was, in 2006, upgraded to a four-lane highway which has reduced the travel time between the two cities.<ref name="sh17">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/30/stories/2006083007330500.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-08-30]]|title=Bangalore-Mysore journey to be faster|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> A project was planned in 1994 to construct a new expressway to connect the cities of Bangalore and Mysore. But this has run into numerous legal hurdles and the work has yet to be completed.<ref name="nice">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/29/stories/2007072955031100.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-07-29]]|author=S. Rajendran|title=International consortium ready to take up Bangalore-Mysore Expressway project|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> Other main roads are State Highways 33 and 88, which connect Mysore to [[H D Kote]] and [[Madikeri]] respectively.<ref name="sh">{{cite web|url=http://kpwd.gov.in/roads.asp|work=Karnataka Public Works, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department|title=Roads in Karnataka|accessdate=2008-04-09}}</ref> The [[Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation]] (KSRTC) and other private agencies operate buses from Mysore. Within the city, buses offer a cheap and popular means of transport. [[Auto-rickshaw]]s are also available for intra-city commute. [[Tonga (carriage)|Tongas]] were popular in Mysore in the past decades, but this mode of transport has become rare due to the popularity of faster modes of transportation.<ref name="tonga">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/29/stories/2006082916030300.htm|title= Riding through time|author=Sharath S. Srivatsa|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-08-29]]|accessdate=2007-12-06}}</ref> ==Media== [[Image:Star of Mysore.jpg|thumb|250px|Star of Mysore, a local newspaper published in Mysore]] Newspaper publishing in Mysore started in 1859 when Bhashyam Bhashyacharya began publishing a weekly newspaper in Kannada, called the ''Mysooru Vrittanta Bodhini''.<ref name="bb">{{cite web|title=Vernacular Newspapers and Periodicals: Their Influence on Modernity, Reforms and Trends in Nineteenth-Century Mysore|work=17th European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies, Heidelberg|author=J. V. Gayathri|accessdate=2007-09-27|url=http://www.sai.uni-heidelberg.de/ecmsa/50.html}}</ref> This was followed by other weekly newspapers such as the ''Karnataka Prakashika'' (1865), the ''Mysore Gazette'' (1866) and the ''Vrittanta Patrike'' (1887).<ref name="bb"/> One of the well-known publishers in Mysore during the Wodeyar rule was M Venkatakrishnaiya, who is called the father of Kannada journalism. He started news magazines such as ''Sampadabhyudaya'', ''Vidyaadaayini'', the ''Mysore Patriot'' and ''Saadhvi''.<ref name="fathe">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/july272004/spt2.asp|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2004-07-27]]|title=His struggle for justice|author=Shrinivas Havanur|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> Currently, popular newspapers with Mysore editions include the English-written [[Times of India]] and [[Deccan Herald]], and the Kannada-written [[Prajavani]] and [[Vijaya Karnataka]]. The ''Star of Mysore'', ''Andolana'' and ''Mysooru Mithra'' and other local newspapers are also published in the city and these carry news mostly related to Mysore city and its surroundings.<ref name="local">{{cite web|url=https://rni.nic.in/webreport.asp|title=Circulation|work=The Registrar of Newspapers for India|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> ''[[Sudharma]]'', the only daily [[newspaper]] in the [[Sanskrit]] language, is also published from Mysore.<ref name="only">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/21/stories/2007072158620300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-07-21]]|author=Muralidhara Khajane|title=Keeping Sanskrit alive|accessdate=2007-11-28}}</ref> Mysore was the location of the first private radio broadcasting station in [[India]] when ''Akashavani'' (which literally means ''voice from the sky'') was established in the city on [[September 10]], [[1935]]. The radio station was established by M.V. Gopalaswamy, a professor of psychology at his house in the Vontikoppal area of Mysore, using a 50-watt transmitter.<ref name="gs">{{cite web|author=Deepa Ganesh|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2006/03/09/stories/2006030901660100.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2006-03-09]]|publisher=2006, The Hindu|title=Still a hot favourite at 50|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref><ref name="mal">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul82007/finearts2007070711530.asp|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2007-07-08]]|author=Mala Kumar|title=Passion for transmission|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> The station was taken over by the princely state of Mysore in 1941 and was moved to Bangalore in 1955. In 1957, the name ''Akashvani'' was chosen as the official name of the [[All India Radio]] (AIR), the radio broadcaster of the [[Government of India]]. The AIR station at Mysore broadcasts an [[FM radio]] channel at 100.6&nbsp;MHz,<ref name="fm">{{cite web|url=http://www.allindiaradio.org/schedule/freq_sr.html#fm|work=The All India Radio|title=All India Radio, Southern Region|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> and [[Gyan Vani]] broadcasts on 105.2.<ref>IGNOU EMPC [http://www.ignou.ac.in/divisions/empc/facilities.htm facilities]</ref> BIG 92.7 became the first private FM channel to broadcast in Mysore when it started operations on [[November 1]], [[2007]].<ref name="pfm">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/01/stories/2007110152140300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-11-01]]|title= BIG 92.7 FM radio launches operation|accessdate=2007-11-01}}</ref> S FM 93.5 also launched its radio station here in April 2008 Mysore city started receiving television broadcasts in the early 1980s when [[Doordarshan]] started beaming its national channel all over India. This was the only channel available for Mysoreans till [[Star TV]] started beaming satellite channels in 1991. [[Direct to Home]] channels are now available in Mysore.<ref name="dth">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/21/stories/2004092104750300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2004-09-21]]|title=Direct-to-Home service launched|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> ==Sports== [[Image:PICT0263.JPG|thumb|250px|Race Club from Chamundi Hills]] The [[Wodeyar]] kings of Mysore were patrons of various games and sports. King [[Krishnaraja Wodeyar III]] had a passion for indoor games. He invented new board games and popularised the [[ganjifa]] card game.<ref name="board">{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63008-2005Mar24.html|work=The Washington Post|date=[[2005-03-25]]|title=Fun Is the Name Of the Game|author=Mary Quattlebaum|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> The sport of traditional [[wrestling]] has a history dating back to the 16th century in Mysore.<ref name="wres">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/30/stories/2003093003910500.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2003-09-30]]|title=Nada kusti as popular as ever|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> This tradition still continues and the wrestling competition held in Mysore during the [[Dasara]] celebrations attracts wrestlers from all over India. An annual sports meet comprising of various events is also organised in Mysore during the Dasara season.<ref name="dassp">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/07/stories/2005100707512000.htm|title= Mysore Dasara Sports from today|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-10-07]]|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> In 1997, the city along with Bangalore co-hosted its biggest sports event ever, the [[National Games of India]]. Mysore was the venue for six events: [[archery]], [[gymnastics]], [[Equestrianism|equestrian]] events, [[handball]], [[table tennis]] and wrestling.<ref name="ng">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970601/15250103.html|work=The Indian Express|date=[[1997-06-01]]|title=Delayed start for gymnastics|author=S Mageshwaran|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> Cricket is by far the most popular sport in Mysore.<ref name="cric">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/14/stories/2004031407400300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2004-03-14]]|title=Cricket brings Mysore to a grinding halt|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> The city has four established cricket grounds, but is yet to host an [[international cricket]] match.<ref name="ground">{{cite web|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/town/58329.html|work=Cricinfo.com|title=Grounds - India - Mysore|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> [[Javagal Srinath]], who represented [[India]] for several years as its [[fast bowling]] spearhead, hails from Mysore.<ref name="js">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/02/03/stories/2002020300170300.htm|title= A cricketer and a gentleman|author=Ramachandra Guha|work=The Hindu|date=[[2002-02-03]]|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> Other prominent sportsmen from the city include [[Prahlad Srinath]], who has represented India in [[Davis Cup]] tennis tournaments; [[Reeth Abraham]], who was an Indian national champion in the [[heptathlon]] and a [[long jump]] record holder; and Rahul Ganapathy, a national amateur [[golf]] champion.<ref name="tenn">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19980407/09750754.html|work=The Indian Express|date=[[1998-04-07]]|title= Back-up cast needs a boost|author=S K John|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref><ref name="reeth">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/06/stories/2003030600890400.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2003-03-06]]|author=Kalyan Ashok|title= A reverie with Reeth|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref><ref name="golf">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/28/stories/2005102807391900.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-10-28]]|title= Rohana soars after stunning eagle|author=Rakesh Rao|accessdate=2007-09-27}}</ref> The Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course, was established in 1906.<ref name="golf1">{{cite web|url=http://www.jwgolfclub.org/|work=The Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club|title=Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club|accessdate=2007-09-28}}</ref> This golf course is laid around the Mysore race course, which is popular for the ''Mysore racing season'' held each year from August through October.<ref name="race">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/22/stories/2007082262092400.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-08-22]]|title= Mysore season from Aug. 23|accessdate=2007-09-28}}</ref> Mysore is the birthplace of the youth hostel movement in India, with the first [[Hostelling International|youth hostel]] formed in the Maharaja's College Hostel in 1949.<ref name="yh">{{cite web|url=http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/hostel/youthhostel/yhkar.htm|work=The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India|title=Mysore Youth Hostel|accessdate=2007-09-28}}</ref> ==Tourism== [[Image:Mysore Palace at Navaratri.jpg|thumb|[[Mysore Palace]] is the prime tourist attraction in Mysore]] [[Image:brindavan.jpg|thumb|Fountains at Brindavan Gardens at night]] [[Image:St.Philos church mysore.JPG|thumb|left|The St. Philomena's Church]] Mysore is a tourism hot spot within the state of Karnataka and also acts as a base for other tourist places in the vicinity of the city.<ref name="tour">{{cite web|url=http://www.flonnet.com/fl2221/stories/20051021005211600.htm|work=The Frontline, Volume 22 - Issue 21|title= Tourism delights|author=Ravi Sharma|accessdate=2001-11-05}}</ref> The city receives the maximum number of tourists during the period of the [[Mysore Dasara|Dasara]] festival when festivities take place for a period of 10 days.<ref name="dastou">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/25/stories/2005092508380300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-09-25]]|title='Mysore Tourism Passport' to provide free entry to six places|author=R. Krishna Kumar|accessdate=2001-11-05}}</ref> One of the most visited monuments in India, the [[Mysore Palace|Ambavilas Palace]] (also known as Mysore Palace) is the center of the Dasara festivities.<ref name="numerouno">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081755371000.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-08-17]]|title= Mysore Palace beats Taj Mahal in popularity|author=R. Krishna Kumar|accessdate=2001-11-05}}</ref> The Jaganmohana Palace, the Jayalakshmi Vilas and the Lalitha Mahal are some of the other palaces in the city.<ref name="palaces">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/yw/2007/02/23/stories/2007022300030200.htm|title= City of mythical beginnings|author=A. Srivathsan|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-02-23]]|accessdate=2001-11-05}}</ref> Chamundeshwari Temple, atop the [[Chamundi Hills]] and [[St. Philomena's Church, Mysore|St. Philomena's Church]] are popular religious places in Mysore.<ref name="tour"/> The [[Mysore Zoo]], established in 1892, and the [[Karanji lake|Karanji]] and [[Kukkarahalli lake|Kukkarahalli]] lakes are also popular spots for tourists.<ref name="tour"/><ref name="lakes">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Oct232007/state2007102331876.asp|title= A day after Dasara in Mysore...|work=The Deccan Herald|date=[[2007-10-23]]|accessdate=2007-11-05}}</ref> Museums in Mysore include the [[Regional Museum of Natural History Mysore|Regional Museum of Natural History]], the [[Folk Lore Museum Mysore|Folk Lore Museum]], the [[Railway Museum Mysore|Railway Museum]] and the [[Oriental Research Institute Mysore|Oriental Research Institute]]. The city is also a centre for [[yoga]]-related [[health tourism]] that attracts lot of foreign visitors as well.<ref name="yoga">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/05/stories/2007020504660200.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2007-02-05]]|accessdate=2007-11-05|title= Yoga draws people from all over to Mysore}}</ref> A short distance from Mysore city is the [[Krishna Raja Sagara|Krishnarajasagar Dam]] and the adjoining [[Brindavan Gardens]] where a [[musical fountain]] show is held in the evening. Places of historic importance lying close to Mysore are [[Srirangapatna]], [[Somanathapura]] and [[Talakad]].<ref name="tour"/> The hills, [[B R Hills]] and [[Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta]] and the hill stations of [[Ooty]] and [[Madikeri]] are all near Mysore. Popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts near Mysore include the National Parks at [[Bandipur National Park|Bandipur]] and [[Nagarhole National Park|Nagarhole]], the wildlife sanctuaries at [[Melkote]] and [[B R Hills]] and the bird sanctuaries at [[Ranganathittu]] and [[Kokrebellur]].<ref name="wildto">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/10/stories/2005031005270300.htm|work=The Hindu|date=[[2005-03-10]]|title= Three lakes of Mysore on IBAN list|accessdate=2007-11-05}}</ref> Other tourist spots near Mysore include the religious locations of [[Nanjanagud]] and [[Bylakuppe]] and the waterfalls at [[Shivanasamudra]]. <BR clear="all"> == See also == * [[Tourist attractions in Mysore]] * [[Culture of Mysore]] ==Notes== {{reflist|3}} ==References== <div class="references-small"> {{col-begin}} *{{cite book |last= Javare Gowda|first= Deve Gowda|title= Village Names of Mysore District: An Analytical Study|origyear=1998|year= 1998|publisher= Asian Educational Services|isbn=8120613902}} *{{cite book |last= Kamath|first= Suryanath U.|title= A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present|origyear=1980|year= 2001|publisher= Jupiter books|location= Bangalore|oclc= 7796041|id= {{LCCN|809|0|5179}}}} *{{cite book |last=Raman|first=Afried |title=Bangalore - Mysore|origyear=2003|year=2003|publisher=Orient Longman|location= Bangalore|isbn= 0863114318}} *{{cite book |last= Rao|first= Hayavadana|title=Mysore Gazetter, volume 4|origyear=1929|publisher= [[Mysore state]]|location=Mysore}} *{{cite book |last= Rice|first= B L|title=Mysore Gazetter|origyear=1897|location=Mysore}} {{col-end}} </div> ==External links== {{commonscat|Mysore}} * [http://www.mysorecity.gov.in/ Mysore City Corporation] * [http://mudamysore.org/home.asp Mysore Urban Development Authority] * [http://www.mysoretourism.org/ Official Mysore Tourism Web Site] * {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/India/Karnataka/Localities/Mysore/}} {{Karnataka topics}} {{Million plus cities in India}} {{featured article}} [[Category:Mysore]] [[Category:Cities and towns in Karnataka]] [[Category:Mysore Kingdom]] [[de:Maisuru]] [[es:Mysore]] [[fr:Mysore]] [[gl:Mysore]] [[hi:मैसूर]] [[id:Mysore]] [[it:Mysore]] [[kn:ಮೈಸೂರು]] [[ml:മൈസൂരു]] [[mr:म्हैसूर]] [[nl:Mysore]] [[ja:マイソール]] [[nn:Mysore]] [[pl:Mysore]] [[pt:Mysore]] [[ro:Mysore]] [[ru:Майсур]] [[sa:मैसूर]] [[simple:Mysore]] [[fi:Mysore]] [[sv:Mysore]] [[ta:மைசூர்]] [[vi:Mysore]] [[zh:迈索尔]]