Mysore has a long and unique history, tangible and intangible heritage as also cultural traditions of its own. It is further augmented by its location in the vicinity of River Cauvery and its subsidiaries such as Hemavati, Shimsha, Suvarnamukhi, Arkavathi, etc. These rivers contributed to the evolution of cultures, continuously from prehistoric period to the modern times, making the region the cradle powerful kingdoms and cultures. Its composite, inclusive culture and peaceful co-existence are the hallmark from the ancient times through to the present day. With its historical monuments ranging from beautiful temples, excavated remains to glorious Islamic monuments, vernacular architecture to the imperial British structures, Mysore is an attractive tourist destination too. 

What started off as a casual discussion among us on the subject evolved in to serious academic exercise over the period of four years resulting in publication of this book. We have sincerely attempted to cover regional history, museum objects, art and cultural traditions. We have also tried to make it well illustrated. 

We hope the book will be useful for the serious researchers, students and equally for the tourists as well.

About the Author

M. Nambirajan (b. 1963) obtained his Masters degree in Archaeology from the University of Madras and Ph.D. from the Karnatak University, Dharwar. He joined Archaeological Survey of India in 1987 as an Assistant Archaeologist and rose to the position of Joint Director General. He worked in various parts of India in different capacities. He is vastly experienced in field archaeology, museums, structural conservation, and antiquities. His publications include Coastal Archaeology of Western India, Bekal Excavations, Kerala Murals, etc. 

V. Shivananda (b. 1954), got his M.A. degree in Ancient Indian History and Epigraphy of the Karnatak University. He did his postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology from the School of Archaeology, A.S.I., Delhi (1975-76). He joined the Archaeological Survey of India as Technical Assistant and worked in different capacities in several places. He has participated in several excavations conducted by ASI. He has visited Greece, Italy and Portugal as part of cultural exchange programmes. He has to his credit many research publications and books. He retired from service as Regional Director in 2014.

La. Na. Swamy (b. 1962) got his M.A. (1986) and Ph.D. (1994) in Ancient History and Archaeology. He worked in several institutions and served as a lecturer in History at many reputed colleges. He also served as a Special Officer in the State Department of Archaeology and Museums in Karnataka and as the visiting Professor in the Department of Maritime Studies and Research University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2010. His contribution to the CSIR-Tamil University national project titled “Maritime History of India,” is significant. He has more than 200 research articles and thirty publications to his credit.