Mysore People’s Movement

The Mysore People’s Movement was a popular socio-political struggle in the erstwhile princely state of Mysore during colonial rule. Operating alongside the Indian National Movement, it evolved from an anti-caste movement for administrative representation into a mass campaign for civil liberties, democratically elected government, and integration with the Indian Union. While the Wadiyar dynasty initiated early constitutional institutions like the Representative Assembly, monarchical control and British Paramountcy limited actual democratic power. The struggle bridged regional social movements with broader anti-colonial nationalism through local platforms like the Praja Mitra Mandali, Praja Samyukta Paksha, and the Mysore State Congress.

Early Foundations and Anti-Brahmin Mobilisation

Rise of Social Consciousness

Political activism in Mysore began as a backward-class struggle against the monopoly of upper castes in state administration. In the late 19th century, the bureaucracy in Mysore was dominated by non-native Brahmins, creating resentment among indigenous agrarian communities.

Institutional Milestones

• Representative Assembly (1881): Dewan C. V. Rangacharlu established the Mysore Representative Assembly, making Mysore the first princely state to create a popular consultative body.
• Praja Mitra Mandali (1917): Formed under leaders like M. Basavaiah, H. Chennaiah, and M. Subbaiah to oppose Brahmin hegemony in public employment and demand reservations.
• Miller Committee Report (1919): Appointed by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV under Sir Leslie Miller, this panel recommended 50% reservation in government jobs for non-Brahmin backward classes over seven years.
• Praja Samyukta Paksha (1930s): Emerged through the merger of early non-Brahmin parties, expanding the focus from administrative quotas to constitutional democracy and agrarian relief.

Consolidation of the Mysore State Congress

Merger and Haripura Resolution Impact

Following the 1938 Haripura Session of the Indian National Congress, the Praja Samyukta Paksha merged with the local Congress committees to form the Mysore State Congress. The party demanded a Javabdari Sarkara (Responsible Government) while retaining the Maharaja as a constitutional head.

Shivapura Flag Satyagraha (1938)

Held in April 1938 at Shivapura near Maddur, the first session of the Mysore State Congress was presided over by T. Siddalingayya. Defying state bans, activists hoisted the Indian National Flag, initiating a state-wide Flag Satyagraha for civil liberties.

Key Organizational Leadership

• K. Chengalaraya Reddy: Key organizer of early agrarian satyagrahas and foundational leader of the Mysore State Congress.
• T. Siddalingayya: First President of the unified Mysore State Congress.
• H. C. Dasappa: Leading organizer of popular agitations and promoter of Gandhian constructive programs.
• K. Hanumanthayya & S. Nijalingappa: Crucial leaders who expanded the movement’s base across the Kannada-speaking regions.

Major Turning Points and Mass Mobilisation

The Vidurashwatha Massacre (1938)

On April 25, 1938, police fired upon a peaceful gathering attempting to hoist the national flag at Vidurashwatha in Kolar district. The firing resulted in the death of 32 citizens and injured over 100 people. Often termed the “Jallianwala Bagh of the South,” the tragedy sparked nationwide outrage, forcing the Mysore administration to negotiate.

Mirza-Patel Pact (1939)

Following the Vidurashwatha incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Acharya Kripalani negotiated an agreement with Dewan Sir Mirza Ismail. The pact recognized the Mysore State Congress, permitted the hoisting of the national flag alongside the state flag, and led to the appointment of a constitutional reform committee.

Comparative Chronology of Major Events

The Final Phase: Mysore Chalo Movement (1947)

Post-Independence Struggle

Although India attained independence on August 15, 1947, Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar hesitated to set up a fully democratic government, acting on the advice of Dewan Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar. In response, the Mysore State Congress launched the “Mysore Chalo” (March to Mysore) movement on September 1, 1947, under the leadership of K. C. Reddy.

Resolution and Democratic Transition

Thousands of protesters marched toward the royal city of Mysore, causing a total shutdown of civil administration across the state. Recognizing the overwhelming public consensus, the Maharaja conceded on September 24, 1947. On October 25, 1947, a popular democratic government was sworn in, with K. Chengalaraya Reddy taking office as the first Chief Minister of Mysore State.

Essential Facts for Quick Revision

• Dewan C. V. Rangacharlu founded the Mysore Representative Assembly in 1881.
• The Praja Mitra Mandali was established in 1917 under the leadership of M. Basavaiah.
• Sir Leslie Miller headed the 1919 committee that recommended job reservations for non-Brahmin communities.
• The Shivapura Flag Satyagraha took place in April 1938 under the leadership of T. Siddalingayya.
• The Vidurashwatha police firing occurred on April 25, 1938, in Kolar district, claiming 32 lives.
• The Mirza-Patel Pact was signed in 1939 between Sardar Patel and Dewan Mirza Ismail.
• The Mysore Chalo agitation was launched on September 1, 1947, demanding responsible governance.
• K. Chengalaraya Reddy became the first Chief Minister of Mysore State on October 25, 1947.