Mysuru

Mysore in English, renamed to Mysuru|ಮೈಸೂರು {lang-kn}, is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka, India.

Naming

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.

Location

It is located at 12.30N 76.65E and has an average altitude of 770m.

It lies about 146km southwest of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. The city is spread across an area of 128.42km2 and is situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills.

It is also situated between the rivers Kaveri and Kabini, which are a source of drinking water to the city.

Importance

It is the headquarters of the Mysore district and the Mysore division.

Festivities

Mysore is famous for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists.

IT industry

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 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.

University

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.

Public enterprises

The All India Radio, the premier radio broadcasting arm of the Government of India had its beginnings here.

After Indian independence

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.