Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 8.djvu/12

H.H. THE LATE MAHARAJAH OF MYSORE. Calcutta. The young Rajah of Mysore continued under the joint superintendence of the Hindoo minister of the state, and of British officers at his court. He was well educated, and it was hoped would administer satisfactorily the dominions allotted to him; but when he attained his majority, he not only squandered the large accumulation which had accrued during his minority, but fell deeply into debt, and oppressed his subjects so severely, that violent outbreaks occurred, which required English interference to subdue. In 1831–2 the Rajah’s authority was set aside, and the administration conducted by English officers. The state remained in this condition till the Rajah’s death. For some years before this event he had been desirous, as he had no male heir, of adopting the son of a relative as heir, and this permission was finally granted. The prince elected is being educated for his high station, and it may be hoped may prove a more efficient and more practical ruler than the late Maharajah.

Two Photographs are given of the late Maharajah: one in his dress and ivory chair of state, the other in plain ordinary costume, a sort of military uniform. His Highness Maharajah Krishna Raj Wadyar Bahadoor was personally kind, charitable, and hospitable, and a fair Sanscrit scholar and poet. He was esteemed a fine chess player, and one of his amusements was to compose chess problems, which were printed upon yellow satin and distributed to his friends; many of these were extremely ingenious. He was a great patron of learned Brahmins, and the annual competition for prizes held at Mysore, attracted Brahmins from all parts of India. Administrative capacity he had none; but he will long be remembered in Mysore for his courtesy, kindliness of disposition, and extensive charities.