Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18 th July 1919 – 23 rd sup> September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Early life:
Prince Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar was the only son of Yuvaraja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar and Yuvarani Kempu Cheluvajamanni. He was born on July 18, 1919 (Siddhartha Samvtsara, Ashada Bahula, Shashti, Friday evening @ 6:13pm). As he was born after the great victory of the allies in the First World War the prefix “Jaya” was added to the name of his grandfather as per tradition.
He had his early education in the special Royal School at Chamundi Vihar Palace, Mysore along with few selected companions. He exhibited high powers of application and distinguished himself by his robustness and modesty of deportment. As the chief of Boy Scouts in his early teens he fulfilled the most sanguine expectations that were formed of him. Mr. J. Turner, ICS. was appointed his tutor, to superintend his education and fit him for the responsibilities of the august office which he would be called upon to undertake later and he acquired great proficiency in horsemanship, swimming, hunting and tennis. Mr. Turner was struck with his talents and predicted a bright future for the young Prince.
After his S.S.L.C, He became the first Royal family member to study at Maharaja’s College. He studied for four years (Intermediate & B.A) freely mixing with students amongst whom he became famous as Prince Charming! Professors had great regard for him. In April 1937 he toured Fareast and Japan for about 3 months. He was unanimously elected Honorary President of the History Association of the Maharaja's College and as its President, he delivered the Inaugural Address of the Association in July 1937 in which at a comparatively early age with almost uncanny insight discerned and foretold serious complications in the Sino-Japanese relations which would ultimately prepare the ground for a major and global catastrophe. He did not merely absorb knowledge as it came to him from professors. He sought it out from books. He was a voracious reader. He held many a discussion with his teachers on topics that specially interested him, and in the discussions he revealed a mind extraordinarily keen and penetrating; and he was not disposed to take anything on trust or from mere text books. Thought provoking books mentioned in the Bibliography of any great book, were added to the personal library for careful reading later.He graduated from Maharaja's College, Mysore in 1938, earning five awards and gold medals.
After his graduation he was trained in various branches of administration under Mr. Elwin ICS and during this period he also toured the state extensively to acquaint with administration at grass root levels. He was also given Physical and military training under the guidance of Col. Lock, Chief Commandant of Mysore State forces. He was a keen sportsman and played Racquets, Squash, Tennis and later in his life also played Golf. He was an excellent Horseman.
He toured Europe along with his wife, parents and sisters during 1939, visiting many associations in London and became acquainted with many artists and scholars.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
As Maharaja of Mysore
Prince Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar lost his father Yuvaraja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar on 11th March 1940 when he was just 21 and he was duly anointed as the Yuvaraja. But only Five months later, Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV also died on 3rd August 1940. Yuvaraja Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar ascended the throne on 8th September 1940.
Soon after becoming the Maharaja he accorded permission to form a joint Stock Company to start Hindustan Aircraft Company in Bangalore to support World War efforts. In addition Maharaja and his Government contributed Rupees Fifty Lakhs (Rs. 50,00,000/-) to the War fund. A vessel of the Royal Indian Navy, a Squadron of Aircraft went as gift from Mysore to the war.
While inaugurating the joint session of the two houses of the legislature, after implementing the reformed constitution of 1940on June 9th, 1941, he said:
“…..I feel that in addressing this joint meeting of the Houses today I am bearing to a further stage, the torch of constitutional progress which has been handed down to me as a family heritage. It is my ambition, as I am sure it is yours, to ensure that its light does not grow dim but will burn ever brighter with the passage of time…..”
First reformed Ministry consisting of mixed officials and elected representatives took office under Dewan N. Madahava Rao in June 1941.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Post Independence
After the proclamation of Government of India Act 1935, Mysore had actively supported the formation of Federal Government and had participated in the preceding Round Table Conferences held in London. But with the breakout of the Second World War and the impetus given to the Quit India Movement, the efforts for formation of a Federal Government (in accordance with the objectives of Government of India Act 1935) were thwarted. After the end of the World War, Britain thought it prudent to enact Indian Independence Act 1947 on 18.07.1947 and paved the way for the formation of two Dominions on 15.08.1947. On the eve of the Indian Independence, Ministry of States, Government of India asked the Princely states to sign an Instrument of Accession.
Under the sovereignty of the Maharaja, Mysore was first major State to accept the Instrument of Accession and the Maharaja on 09.08.1947 signed the said Instrumentof Accession and the same was accepted on 16.08.1947 by the Government of India. He further signed a Supplementary Instrument of Accession on 01.06.1949.
Maharaja had in a message to his people on 08.01.1947, had expressed his intention to further-proposals, for constitutional reforms. But the Indian Independence hastened the demand for Responsible Government in the State and Maharaja in a proclamation on 24.09.1947 accepted the demand by setting up the Constituent Assembly and an interim popular Government was established on 25.10.1947 with Sri. K. C. Reddy as Chief Minister.
After fresh elections, first session of the Mysore Constituent Assembly was held on Wednesday the 7thApril 1948 at the Sir Puttanna Chetty Town Hall, Bangalore.
In all this intervening period Sir. Dr. A. Ramaswamy Mudaliar continued as Dewan of Mysore and this post was ultimately abolished with effect from 7thAugust 1949.
The Constituent Assembly of Mysore at its sixth sessionrecommended that‘the Constitution of India’, then being framed by the Constituent Assembly of India, which included duly appointed representatives from the State also,should be adopted by Mysore.
Maharaja accepted the recommendations and issued a proclamation on 25th November 1949 to adopt the Constitution of India shortly to be adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India (adopted on 26.11.1949).
Maharaja also signed an agreement on 23.01.1950 with Governor General of India to determine his Rights, Privileges, Dignities, Privy Purse and dynastic succession.
As from 26.01.1950, Princely State of Mysore merged with the newly formed Republic of India and became a Part-B State.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Post Republic:
In accordance with Article 366(15) of the Constitution of India, Maharaja became the Raja Pramukh for the State of Mysore from 26.01.1950.
On 02.10.1953, Bellary District was merged with Mysore State.
When Justice Fazal Ali Commission constituted to study the Re-organization of States on linguistic basis toured Mysore and interviewed the Raja Pramukh, he readily agreed to the merger of Kannada Speaking areas and sacrifice the constitutionally guaranteed post of Raja Pramukh.
On the eve of merger of Kannada speaking areas, the then Chief Minister Mr. K. Hanumanthiah hosted a Birthday celebration function at Mysore and praised the Maharaja in the following glowing terms:
“………….Transforming oneself from a powerful sovereign to a constitutional monarch requires adjustment of a type which is rare in human nature. This happy adjustment stands as a proof of your high mindedness and patriotic fervour. Whether as Ruler or as Rajpramukh, the people of Mysore have found the ideal in you…………….”
In reply Maharaja said:
“….You have referred in your Address to what your generosity has termed my 'sacrifice'. I do not look upon it as such. If Destiny had decreed that over the past few centuries the progress and prosperity of the people of this beloved State should be in the hands of the Wadiyars of Mysore then that same Destiny now ordains that the time is ripe for the people, now grown to full political stature in a free democratic Republic, to rule themselves. My ancestors did indeed render great service to the State, and the times in which they lived demanded such service from such rulers. According to my lights, I have tried my utmost to be true to the spirit of that noble tradition. I now consider it my greatest good fortune that it has been given to me to see the consummation the fulfillment, the fruition of a great Trust. The rule of the Maharaja has indeed fulfilled its purpose, this purpose of making the people fit to rule themselves…”
Owing to the popular demand, President of India appointed him as the Governor of the newly formed State of Mysore (Renamed as Karnataka in 1975) from 01.11.1956. He was the Governor of Mysore till 04.05.1964.
He was also the Governor of Madras (Tamil Nadu) from 04.05.1964 to 28.06.1966.
He passed away at Bangalore Palace on 23.09.1974. He was cremated at ‘Madhu Vana’ at Mysore.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Honours & Titles
During his life time Maharaja received following titles and awards:- Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (GCSI), in 1945.
- Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (GCB), in 1946.
He was the only Indian and the youngest to receive this title post World War-I. - Doctor of Law from Banaras Hindu University in 1942.
Youngest to receive such an honour at the age of 23 years. - Honorary Fellow of Trinity College of Music, London, in 1945.
- He was appointed as Honorary Major General by Government of India on 14th August 1948.
- He was appointed as Honorary Colonel of Q.V.O., Madras Engineer Centre, R.I.E., with effect from 15th August 1948.
- Doctor of Literature from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu in 1955.
- Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from the University of Mysore, 1962.
- Doctor of Literature from the University of Queensland, Australia in 1963.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1966.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
ASSOCIATIONS & POSITIONS
- Chief Cub of Mysore Scouts at a young age of 8 years in 1927. After the death of his father the Yuvaraja, he became the Chief Scout for many years.
- Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music, London in 1937.
- President of the Historical association of University of Mysore in 1937.
- He was the President of Kannada Sahitya Parishat from 1940-1941.
- Maharaja founded Medtner Society in London in 1948 and got recorded the entire works of Russian Composer Nicolai Medtner (1880-1951) in 3 Albums. (61 works – opus numbers).
- Maharaja was the first president of the Philharmonia Concert Society and Philharmonia Orchestra in London in 1948.
Writing in the July 1950 edition of "THE GRAMOPHONE" Walter Legge sums Maharaja’s monumental contribution to Western Classical Music:
“....Many more correspondents have written expressing their admiration for the vision, constructive enterprise and generosity of the young Indian Prince who conceived this plan, and who is making it possible for the music lovers throughout the world to learn, enjoy and study works which but for his knowledge and love of music, would never have been recorded.....” - Indian Board for Wild Life was constituted under the Union Ministry of Food & Agriculture on 04.04.1952 and Maharaja was its first Chairman.
The first session of the Indian Board for Wild Life was held at Mysore from the 20th November 1952 to 1st December 1952.
Dr. Punjab Rao Deshmukh, the Union Minister of Agriculture who delivered a speech at the Plenary Session of the Central Board of Wild Life at Mysore, on the 1stDecember 1952 had said:
“....Giving praise to the Chairman of the Board who is the Maharaja of Mysore he remarked that his exhaustive treatment of the subject had left little for him to add....
....Concluding, the Minister expressed a feeling of gratitude to HisHighness the Maharaja and the Rajpramukh of Mysore for havinggiven his valuable time to the problems before the Board, and added that the future of wild life is safe in his hands..... - He was appointed as Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1961.
- He was appointed as the Chairperson of the National School of Drama in 1961.
- He co-founded ‘Basava Samiti’, Bangalore along with Sri. B.D. Jatti and others in 1964.
- He was the first President of Vishva Hindu Parishat (VHP) in 1964.
The third meeting of the Vishva Hindu Parishad Executive Council was held at Mysore on May 27-28, 1965 in the Summer Palace of His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore, the then Governor of Madras. The Maharaja, first President of the Parishad, was in the chair.
The Maharaja in his inaugural address said:
"I have great pleasure in addressing the Vishva Hindu Parishad this morning. I hope and trust that your effort will be successful and fruitful. I am grateful to members for having associated me in the unique object of rendering service to the ideals of Hinduism and strengthening them for world peace. The Vishva Hindu Parishad has come at a stage when we are called upon to face a difficult situation. This can be done successfully only by practicing the Dharma, which is the central character of Hindu culture, and its implementation, will be the most useful contribution to Hindu Society as also a unifying force amongst its different sects….." - He was also the chancellor various Universities like University of Mysore (1940-1964), Karnataka University (1956-1964), University of Madras (1964-1966), Annamalai University (1964-1966) and others.
- Maharaja carried on his family’s tradition of providing Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore with funds and scholarships for running the Institute and occasionally for its expansion, when needed.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS
Maharaja has authored many Books and Publications. Some of the most prominent works available are:- An Aspect Of Indian Aesthetics
Sir George Stanley Endowment Lecture; 1955-56; University of Madras. - Note On Ecological Surveys To Precede Large Irrigation Projects.
Wesley Press, Mysore; 1955 - African Survey-Bangalore Press; 1955
- Dattatreya: The Way & The Goal.
Allen & Unwin, London 1957. - Avadhuta: Reason & Reverence.
Indian Institute of World Culture, Bangalore, 1958. - The Quest for Peace: an Indian Approach.
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 1959. - Traditions, Ideals and Values in the Atomic Age
AGGREY-FRASER-GUGGISBERG MEMORIAL LECTURES @ University of Ghana): 1960. - Religion And Man.
Orient Longmans, Bombay, 1965. Based on Prof. Ranade Series Lectures instituted at Karnataka University in 1961. - The Gita and Indian Culture.
Orient Longmans, Bombay, 1963. - Puranas As The Vehicles Of India's Philosophy Of History,
Journal Purana, issue #5, 1963. - Atman And Brahman In Vedic Religion
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; 1965. - Advaita Philosophy.
Sringeri Souvenir Volume, 1965, pages 62–64. - Sri Sureshwaracharya.
Sringeri Souvenir Volume, Srirangam, 1970, pages 1–8. - Kundalini Yoga, A review of "Serpent Power" by Sir John Woodroffe.
- He also sponsored the translation of many classics from Sanskrit to Kannada as part of the Sri Jayachamarajendra Grantharatnamala & Sri Jayachamarajendra Vedaratnamala, including 35 parts of the Rigveda. These are essentially ancient sacred scriptures in Sanskrit till then not available in Kannada language comprehensively. All the books contain original text in Kannada accompanied by Kannada translation in simple language for the benefit of common man. In the history of Kannada literature such a monumental work was never attempted!
The Quest for Peace: an Indian Approach.
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 1959.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Music
He was a connoisseur of both Western and Carnatic (South Indian classical) music and an acknowledged authority of Indian Philosophy.- He became a Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music, London in 1937.
- Honorary Fellow of Trinity College of Music, London, in 1945.
- He helped the Western world discover the music of a little-known Russian composer Nikolai Medtner (1880–1951), financing the recording of a large number of his compositions and founding the Medtner Society in 1949. Medtner Third Piano Concerto is dedicated to the Maharaja of Mysore. Aspirations to become a concert pianist were cut short by the untimely death of both his father Yuvaraja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar in March 1940 and his uncle Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV in June 1940, when he succeeded the throne of Mysore.
- He was the first President of the Philharmonia Concert Society and Philharmonia Orchestra, London in 1948.
- After becoming Maharaja, he was initiated to the Indian classical music (Carnatic music) due to the cultural vibrancy, which prevailed in the Mysore court till then. He learnt to play veena under Vidwan Venkatagiriyappa and mastered the nuances of Carnatic music under the tutelage of veteran composer and Asthana Vidwan Sri. Vasudevacharya. He was also initiated into the secrets of Shri Vidya as an upasaka (under assumed name Chit Prabhananda) by his guru Shilpi Siddalingaswamy. This inspired him to compose as many as 94 Carnatic music krutis under the assumed name of Shri. Vidya. All the compositions are in different ragas and some of them for the first time ever.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Builder of Temples:
- Maharaja built three temples in Mysore city: Bhuvaneshwari Temple and Gayatri Temple, located inside the Mysore Palace Fort, and Sri Kama Kameshwari Temple, situated on Ramanuja Road, Mysore.
- He has donated a Golden Kolaga (Mask) to the ancient Trineshwara Temple inside Mysore Palace Fort after the birth of his son. It is used only on the night of Mahashivaratri every year.
- Gifted ornate Silver Doors to the Chamundeshwari Temple at Mysore.
- Iconic Golden Throne used during the Navratri Durbar at Mysore Palace was redesigned with new flights of steps and made wider in size during his reign.
- Besides this he has donated to many temples across India for its many developments and endowments.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Patron of Sports:
- Maharaja was a good horseman, tennis player&golfer.
- In 1946, he organised the XII Indian Olympic Games at Bangalore by building a modern Stadium, which was then named as Sri Jayachamarajendra Stadium (now renamed after his father and called Kanteerava Stadium) complete with Sports Township to accommodate the participating sports persons.
- Maharaja helped India’s greatest Tennis player Sri. Ramanathan Krishnan to participate at Wimbledon.
- Maharaja was responsible for the India’s greatest off-spin bowler, Sri. E. A. S. Prasanna visit to the West Indies in his maiden test series as his father was otherwise reluctant to send him.
- He was also well known for his marksmanship and was highly sought-after by his subjects whenever a rogue elephant or a man-eating tiger attacked their immediate surroundings. There are many wildlife trophies attributed to him in the Palace collections.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Gifts to the nation
- He gifted the magnificent Cheluvamba mansion in Mysore with his vast surrounding to the Indian Government to start the premier food research institute of the country Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru formally received the heritage property on December 1948 and it was inaugurated on 21 October 1950.
- He gifted another Royal Mansion in Bangalore - AVALON to start the National Tuberculosis Institute in 1959.
- He gifted 22 acres in Mysore to start the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in the year 1966.
- He permitted perpetual use of the Chamarajendra Zoological Garden in Mysore in public interest to the State Government in 1950.
- He permitted perpetual use of ‘Nishat Garden’ – a major public park in public interest in Mysore in 1950.
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
Family:
Sisters:- Princess Vijaya Lakshmi Ammanni, later Rani Vijaya Devi of Kotda Sangani.
- Princess Sujaya Kantha Ammani, later Thakurani Sahiba of Sanand.
- Princess Jaya Chamunda Ammani Avaru, later Maharani Sri Jaya Chamunda Ammani Sahiba, Maharani of Bharatpur.
- Maharani Sathya Prema Kumari of Jigni in Madhya Pradesh. The wedding was held on 15th May 1938. The marriage failed; the Maharani settled at Jaipur. There were no children by this marriage.
- Maharani Tripura Sundari Ammani Avaru. The wedding was held on 06th May 1942.
- Princess Gayatri Devi Avaru, (1946–1974).
- Princess Meenakshi Devi Avaru, (1951–2015).
- Maharaja Sri Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar (1953–2013). Survived by Maharani Smt. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar.
- Princess Kamakshi Devi Avaru, b.1954.
- Princess Indrakshi Devi Avaru, b.1956.
- Princess Vishalakshi Devi Avaru, (1962-2018)
Maharaja Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar (18thJuly 1919 – 23rd September 1974) was the Twenty-Fifth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruling from 1940 until Monarchy was abolished in 1950. He continued to hold the title of Maharaja until Princely titles were abolished in 1971. He was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker, and philanthropist.
SELECTED QUOTES:
- Radhakrishna on his book Dattatreya: 24.12.1956.
The writer's translations and notes reveal his vast learning and deep devotion. The writer is not merely a theoretical student, but a practicing disciple, a sadhaka. He not only points out how the two works are rooted in the classical scriptures of Hinduism but are endorsed by his own personal experience. His comments on the different metaphysical questions, the concept of Dattatreya, the nature of the Absolute Reality, the status of the world, the practice of meditation, the individual self and the meaning of liberation or spiritual freedom are always interesting and often illuminating. Those who read this book will have a rewarding experience. - Sir C.V. Raman at University of Mysore Special Convocation in 1962:
His Highness's mastery of Sanskrit will be evident to anyone who has perused his translation of the works and his exposition of the philosophy of Dattatreya.
He has visited many countries and contacted their leaders and lectured at various places and institutions. In these travels, he has been truly the Ambassador of India at large. He has conveyed by his Lectures and even more through his personal contacts, a vivid idea of the sources’ of the real greatness of our country. We have noted with pleasure that he has been received everywhere with marked respect and enthusiasm.
There is in the Sanskrit language, a word, Rajarishi, meaning one who is both a ruler and a sage which aptly describes the personality, and attainments of His Highness.
- Krishnamoorthy: the doyen of Indian aesthetics.
He said that this important point had not been clearly noticed by any of the modern writers on the subject and that he was thinking it was a personal discovery of his own. When he found that another scholar has lighted upon the same truth independently, his admiration was profound.
But even that one interview of mine has left such a deep impression upon me of His Highness and erudite Rajarshi, up-to-date in scholarship and with a burning zeal for research in our art and culture.
- Venkataraman Raghavan- Padma Bhushan and multi-faceted Sanskrit scholar and a Fellow of the Sahitya Akademi. He is the author of Bhoja’s magnum opus Srigara Parakasha:
There has been a tradition from ancient times of learning and patronage of learning and arts among Indian Kings. King Bhoja has gone into our vocabulary as a by word for learning and generous patronage to poets and scholars; and many later Kings considered it an honour to be called Abhinava Bhoja or Dakdhina Bhoja. The late Highness of Mysore was a Dakshina Bhoja. ‘Dakshina’ is an attribute fitting him in more ways than one, meaning as it does not merely of the ‘South’ but ‘liberal’ and having a sense of ‘dakshinyam’. He could never say ‘no’ to a request or a good cause…
….. Paying a tribute to him, a London paper described him as a voluntary One-man mission, propagating the cause of Indian Culture…..
- D.V. Gundappa: Great Kannada Writer and thinker
His Highness embodies to us, if I may take the liberty of so speaking, a combination of all that one wishes to find in a young citizen of India love and reverence for her ancient heritage, devotion to letters and art, concern for the higher values of human life, an instinctive feel for the ideals and principles of constitutional government and a conscientious regard for the public interest. His Highness is the inheritor of an age long tradition of soulful striving, in the service of the country. We fervently pray it may be given him to fill still longer and still higher positions in the public life of India.
- CHADURANGA / (Subramanyaraje Urs) – Noted Kannada writer and a classmate in the Royal School:
I was one among the five or six lucky youngsters who were chosen to study with him in the Royal School. It was then we two became very intimate and I came to know the human qualities of the head and heart of the young prince (which he was at the time) endowed with a high intellectual calibre and very sharp in his grasp. Even at that period he was a voracious reader of books and would quote from Robert Southey poem “My Days among the Dead are Past:
"My never failing friends are they,
With whom I converse day by day."
When he died I felt I had lost a part of my own self. I am a socialist by conviction and have never taken kindly to personal rule of any sort. But I must own that my friend Jaya was truly a Prince among men and his genial personality is still green in my memory.
- M.V. KRISHNA RAO, Professor of History & Political Science at Maharaja’s College when Maharaja was his student:
The Maharaja's greatness of character, courage, sagacity, spirit of forbearance, tenacity of purpose undiscouraged by family and national vicissitudes will ever be remembered with deep gratitude by the people of Mysore.
On the occasion of His Highness's participation in the Maharaja's College Day Celebrations as chief guest on 8th January 1954 he said
“Several positions of honour and dignity, I have held in my life as a result of the circumstances of my birth, but there is one position, one destiny, I have carved out for myself and that is as a student, shall I say, as an advanced student of literature, history, philosophy, music and above all, our ancient culture which illumines my path and which serves as a perpetual refreshment for my mind and soul.”
These lines will be written with letters of living light on the heart of every student of the College so as to be an abiding source of inspiration in the future.
- SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI
– Citation while conferring Fellowship in 1966:
"I present to you, Sir, His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore, Shri Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar.
Born in an ancient ruling family, which has always been patron of arts, Maharaja Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar is not only a composer of Karnatak music but also a distinguished scholar in the fields of music, aesthetics, Sanskrit literature and philosophy. He has many a publication to his credit, and universities at home and abroad have bestowed honour on him. In his Court were, as with his predecessors, some of the most distinguished musicians of our country.
The Maharaja’s catholic taste is revealed by his deep interest in Western music. The Trinity College of Music in London has elected him an Honorary Fellow.
Appointed by the Government of India, he distinguished himself in guiding the Sangeet Natak Akademi as its Chairman for four years. For his eminence as a scholar in the field of arts and a patron of music, the Akademi has elected Maharaja Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar as a Fellow"
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