By Girish Linganna
Mar 8: On International Women's Day 2024, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who have been instrumental in shaping our world. Among these trailblazers is the Maharani of Mysore, Kempananjammani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, whose visionary support for education and science paved the way for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. Her generous grant of land and money, bestowed during her regency while her son was a minor, highlights the pivotal role women have played in fostering innovation and knowledge for the betterment of society. This act of philanthropy by a woman in the early 20th century continues to inspire and reminds us of the enduring impact women can have on the world.
Who was Kempananjammani, and what was her contribution to the governance of Mysore state?
While historical narratives often highlight the contributions of Chamarajendra Wadiyar, who led Mysore from 1881 until his passing in 1894, and their son Krishnaraja Wadiyar, whose reign spanned from 1902 until his demise in 1940, the story of Maharani Kempananjammani is comparatively less documented. Kempananjammani, the wife of Chamarajendra Wadiyar and mother to Krishnaraja Wadiyar, played a significant yet often understated role in the governance of the Mysore state, particularly during the periods before and between their reigns.
In G.R. Josyer’s 1950 publication, "History of Mysore and the Yadava Dynasty," the narrative unfolds around her marriage. It describes how, in 1876, the youthful Maharaja Chamarajendra, at the age of 14, embarked on a journey to Delhi with his retinue to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Upon their return, efforts were made to find a suitable bride from the royal family of Rewa, which was a princely state at the time and currently a part of Madhya Pradesh,as reported by The Wire
Josyer notes in his work that the Dowager Queen of Rewa was opposed to forming a marital alliance with a family unknown to her. Consequently, Chamarajendra's delegation sought a bride from a location nearer to them. They selected an educated young woman from the aristocratic lineage of the Maddur branch, originating from Kalale—both localities situated within the current Mysore district. Thus, in May 1878, the 15-year-old Chamarajendra wed the 12-year-old Kempananjammani, who was then bestowed with the title of Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana.
While Chamarajendra bore the title of Maharaja following his father's demise, the Wadiyar dynasty had been absent from Mysore's governance for an extended period. The British Empire maintained control over the Princely State of Mysore, which represented the remnants of the Mysore kingdom after its annexation by the British, with parts transferred to the Madras Presidency and the Nizam of Hyderabad. On March 26, 1881, Chamarajendra assumed the throne of the Princely State of Mysore under significant constraints. The British withdrawal was only limited, retaining oversight rights. The Maharaja and his heirs were required to pledge steadfast loyalty and subordination to the British Crown and to contribute an annual fee of Rs 35 lakh for "protection".
In terms of state governance, the Maharaja was obliged to adhere to the guidance provided by the British Governor-General. Moreover, a British official, termed as the Resident, would be stationed within the state to guarantee compliance with the stipulated conditions. Should there be any violation of these terms, the British reserved the right to reclaim control over the state.
Assuming leadership in difficult conditions, Chamarajendra demonstrated his capability and became a well-regarded monarch. The severe famine of 1876 left enduring impacts, yet by 1891, the state had managed to rebound. During his reign, the quantity of both government and aided schools significantly increased, and notably, the inaugural institutions for female education were established.
Economic growth was propelled by investments in infrastructure such as roads, railways, irrigation systems, and new industrial ventures. This led to an increase in land revenue and an expansion of the cultivated area. The revenue from excise saw a near fourfold increase, while income from forest resources, stamps, and registration almost doubled.
Chamarajendra passed away suddenly on December 28, 1894, at the young age of 31. According to Josyer, his death occurred during a winter visit to Calcutta, which was the capital of the Indian Empire at the time.Upon reaching Calcutta, a minor throat issue that Chamarajendra had been experiencing throughout his travel worsened into diphtheria, which proved fatal as it was beyond the help of medical treatment, leading to his demise.
The demise of Chamarajendra left his family, including Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, their two sons, and three daughters, deeply distressed. Accompanied by the Dewan, Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, who had joined him on his trip, they were devastated. After performing his cremation at Kalighat, they returned to Mysore, overwhelmed by a profound sense of loss, facing a future without him.
According to The Wire, Vikram Sampath's book, "Splendours of Royal Mysore: the Untold Story of the Wodeyars," presents a more dramatic account of this event, highlighting the profound impact on the Wodeyar dynasty.
" The news of her husband's demise was conveyed to Kempananjammani by Darbar Bakshi Narasimha Iyengar. Overwhelmed by grief and hysteria, she hastened to the room holding her husband's cold, dead body. The bewildered dewan hurried to her side, attempting to offer comfort. Amidst loud cries and lamentations, she denounced her misfortune and the cruelty of fate, ultimately collapsing into unconsciousness.The dewan passed on the sad news to Foreign Secretary Cunningham, who then relayed it to the viceroy. When the people of Mysore started hearing about it, they found it hard to accept. Their young and charismatic leader was gone."
Chamarajendra was known for his cultured and sophisticated appreciation for art and music. He traveled widely, establishing relationships with numerous influential figures throughout India. This worldly exposure and engagement with diverse concepts might have similarly influenced Kempananjammani, even though historical records primarily mention her during her marriage only in the context of being a mother to their five children.
(Jayalakshmammanni, Krishnajammanni, Krishnaraja, Kanteerava Narasimharaja and Cheluvajammani),only to emerge again upon Chamarajendra's passing, at which point she was entrusted with a significant new responsibility.
Following the sudden passing of the Maharaja in 1894, the Maharani was named regent, serving in this capacity until her son reached the age to govern.
On December 30, 1894, just two days following Chamarajendra's demise, the Government of India declared to the residents of Mysore their approval for Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the eldest son of Chamarajendra and Kempananjammani, to succeed the throne, despite being just 10 years old at that moment.Therefore, until he reached the appropriate age to govern, the Maharani, who was about 26 years old at the time, assumed the role of Regent. During this period, the state's administration continued as before under the stewardship of Dewan K. Seshadri Iyer.
The Dewan was required to "seek and heed the counsel of the Resident regarding significant issues," and "where feasible and appropriate, take into account the preferences of Her Highness Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana."
Numerous narratives portray the Maharani's function as merely 'keeping the ship steady' until her son was mature enough to take over, suggesting she acted only as a temporary steward. Despite Mysore possessing a competent administrative system that continued smoothly, as Josyer puts it, "without any trouble" following the Maharaja's demise, it seems she contributed more significantly than often acknowledged.
After becoming regent, she established a three-member council to support the Dewan. Her leadership saw the containment of a plague outbreak, the development of new areas in Bangalore to accommodate its expanding population, and the construction of Victoria Hospital in Bangalore. Additionally, her tenure included the initiation of the Cauvery power project, water supply projects for Mysore and Bangalore, and the Marikanive irrigation project, among various other public works endeavors.
During her tenure, education saw significant enhancement: the first hostel for students traveling from rural areas for education was established, scholarships for postgraduate studies abroad were sponsored, and the Damodar Das Scholarship scheme was introduced. Additionally, there was a notable increase in the enrollment of girls in primary schools.
According to Josyer, from 1881 to the conclusion of the regency in 1902, investment in education quadrupled, funding for public works more than doubled, healthcare spending tripled, and the state's revenue and expenses nearly doubled.
The Maharani tasked architect Henry Irwin with the reconstruction of the Amba Vilas palace following its destruction by fire during the wedding of her eldest daughter, Jayalakshmammanni, to the Maharani's brother, M. Kantaraj Urs, who would later act as her private secretary and then serve as Dewan from 1918 to 1922. Finished in 1912, the palace stands today as a prominent reminder of the former royal family's legacy, attracting hundreds, sometimes thousands, of visitors daily.
Upon the death of Dewan Seshadri Iyer in 1901, the Maharani promptly acknowledged his contributions to the state's success, stating that the numerous reforms elevating Mysore's administrative efficiency were largely due to his skills, forward planning, and ingenuity.
While the acclaim for the Dewan was justified, he wasn't the only one deserving credit for the achievements, as Josyer explains. Although the Dewan had a commanding presence, any action he intended to take required the consent of various parties. This included the Council members, who were not easily swayed; the Maharani Regent; the Resident, whose input was necessary on all decisions; and the Representative Assembly, which was composed of around 300 strong-willed individuals.
Josyer includes a quote from a European observer who lavishes praise on her, likening her to Queen Victoria and stating, "In my view, there's no woman of higher nobility in India than the Highness of Mysore, and her name will be remembered alongside those of India's most esteemed and distinguished women!" She is fondly recalled as a nurturing presence, serving both as a mother to her own offspring and to the residents of Mysore. At the conclusion of her regency, the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, honored her, noting that she had exemplified both public and private virtues.
T.R.A. Thumboo Chetty, a judge and one of the council members appointed by her to support the Dewan, portrays her as a smart, well-informed, and actively engaged leader.
" During my numerous official meetings, I was consistently impressed by the Maharani's business acumen, broad knowledge, and pleasant demeanor. She always showed remarkable patience in listening and demonstrated a sharp and decisive mind. No matter the topic, she quickly got to the heart of the matter, leading discussions to a successful resolution. Her insightful suggestions often pleasantly surprised me, offering clear solutions to various challenges. It was evident that she was deeply committed to the welfare and progress of the country. After each meeting, I left with a deep sense of loyalty and profound admiration and respect for her high moral standards and intellectual abilities."
The regency concluded on August 8, 1902, when ruling powers were officially transferred to the young Maharaja Krishnaraja. After this point, historical records mentioning Kempananjammani become scarce, although it's apparent she maintained a significant impact on Mysore. Her son would seek her advice on state matters, indicating her ongoing involvement. Additionally, she made sporadic public appearances. Notably, in 1917, she inaugurated the Maharani’s College for Women in Mysore, a pioneering institution offering education in the arts and sciences to women.
Kempananjammani passed away on July 7, 1934, her death marking the end of a remarkable legacy. The following year, in 1935, the Vani Vilas Women and Children's Hospital was established adjacent to Victoria Hospital. Over the years, numerous public works and initiatives named Vani Vilas have been dedicated in her honor, serving as lasting tributes to her memory.
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, the legacy of Maharani Kempananjammani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana offers a beacon of inspiration. Her unwavering support for women's education, exemplified by the establishment of Maharani's College for Women, and her dedication to improving healthcare with initiatives like the Vani Vilas Women and Children's Hospital demonstrate her deep commitment to women's well-being. Though history often overlooks her contributions, Kempananjammani's legacy underscores the profound impact women can have on advancing education, health, and societal progress. This Women's Day, let us honor her vision and resolve to continue championing women's empowerment, paving the way for a future where all women have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to shape a better world.
(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)