Karnataka - Mysore   

Remembering their supreme sacrifice

Special Correspondent

A unique feature of the agitation in Mysore was its continuation for more than a month after the freedom struggle ended in other parts of the country

MYSORE: The stage is set for the 59th Independence Day celebrations here on Tuesday with the main programme scheduled to take place at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium.

Educational institutions and various citizens groups will organise events to mark the historic occasion in which Mysore played a significant role.

As the generation that fought for freedom continues to dwindle with each passing year, it would be a fitting tribute to recall their sacrifice and sequence of events in the region that culminated in Independence. But a unique feature of the agitation in Mysore was its continuation for more than a month after the freedom struggle ended in other parts of the country.

Responsible government

This was to force the Maharaja to establish a responsible government.

Historians have viewed freedom struggle in Mysore with two perspectives, and point out that the first factor was the undercurrent of general patriotic fervour seeking an end to the British rule in India, but at a more micro level, it was an outcome of the growing frustration when the interest of the Mysore region conflicted with the imperial interests and invariably the interests of the latter were always upheld. Hence, Mysore joined the freedom struggle fairly late and it was not until the end of the First World War when the patriotic fervour swept the nation. The seeds of consciousness that alien rule was un-edifying to an ancient civilisation were sowed by various newspapers, including Karnataka Prakashika and Vrittanta Chintamani, among others. But the first major spark was ignited by the death of Balgangadhar Tilak in 1920, which witnessed processions and closure of government offices.

The first political prisoner in Mysore State was Tagadur Ramachandra Rao who published pamphlets condemning the visit of Simon Commission. He was imprisoned for 15 days.

People of Mysore State escaped the pinch of the British Raj mainly because of the far-sighted policies pursued by its rulers and their benevolent practices in administration. Hence, the region did not witness violent upheavals as seen elsewhere in the country. But it was a trendsetter in constructive work and social reforms which the rest of India adopted after Independence.

Reservation

As for instance, the demand for reservation in government jobs was first made in Mysore and was conceded by the rulers. Leaders such as Ramachandra Rao launched a movement against untouchability and initiated villagers into khadi and started Khaddar Sahakara Sangha that helped many villagers to earn their livelihood. Temple entry movement was witnessed in the 1930s and the visit of Mahatma Gandhi to Mysore, Tagadur, Badanwal and Nanjangud gave a fillip to the social reforms movement. As the participation of students increased in the freedom struggle and the Maharaja's College was emerging as the epicentre for all nationalistic activities, college principal Rolo and Vice-Chancellor Mcalpine made it a rule that failed students need not attend the same classes for the second year.

Student power

This resulted in leaders such as M.N. Jois taking the initiative to start Mahajana High School. However, it was the Quit India movement that brought to the fore the student power. While the freedom struggle culminated with the hoisting of the tricolour, it continued in south Karnataka as students and nationalists organised "Mysore Chalo" seeking formation of a representative Government. Demonstrations were held in front of the palace and the mass entry of freedom fighters continued unabated resulting in agitations in the city. This came to a close on September 24, 1947, when the Majaraja agreed to step down and K.C. Reddy was sworn in on September 27 to head the government.

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