Introduction: Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah was the most outstanding Dewan of Mysore. He entered the services of Mysore as Chief Engineer. He was a great Engineer, a capable administrator, eminent economist, liberal-minded statesmen and patriot. He is rightly called as‘The Architect of Modem Mysore”.

Early life and career of M.V.: Sir M.V. was bom on 15^th September 1861 at Muddenahalli (Chikkaballapur District). His parents were Srinivas Shastri and Venkatalaxmamma who were orthodox Hindus. After completing his primary education at Chikkaballapura, he went to Bangalore for further studies.

He obtained his B. A. degree from Central College, Bangalore in 1881. He did his B.E. degree (Pune) from Madras University in 1884. lie served in the Bombay Government from 1884 to 1909. He was appointed as the Chief Engineer of Mysore State in 1909. Krishnaraja Wodeyar – IV appointed him as the Dewan of Mysore in 1912. The main objective of Sir M. V. was the eradication of poverty and to put India in line with the developed nations.

Administrative reforms: Sir M.V. was a liberal statesman and believed in democracy. He took steps to strengthen the local selfgoverning bodies. The number of the members of the legislative council was increased from 18 to 24 and given the power to discuss the budget of the state. Sri M.V. passed the local selfgoverning bodies Act. This act made provisions for the majority of the members of the district and taluk boards being elected. Village reform committees were established for the progress of villages. The development of Malnad region was given priority and a plan was drawn up.

Industrial Development: ‘Industrialize or Perish’ was the slogan of Sir M.V. His aim was to make Mysore an industrially advanced state in India. He started several industries in the state. The important industries are Sandal oil factory at Mysore, Soap factory, Central Industrial workshop and Metal factory at Bangalore, Silk research center at Channapattana. Small scale and Cottage industries also developed.

Cottage industries such as weaving, pottery, oil processing, mat making, wood works, leather goods, etc., flourished. The Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established in 1913 at Bangalore. The Mysore Bank was founded in 1913 at Bangalore for the promotion of Industries and Commerce.

Educational reforms: Sir M.V. believed that “Progress in every country depends mainly on the education of its people”. His main objective was the eradication of illiteracy from India. So, he introduced compulsory primary education. Scholarships and special grants were made available to encourage education among the economically and socially backward classes. Female and technical education were also encouraged.

The major Educational Institutions started by Sir M.V. were the Government Engineering College at Bangalore, School of Agriculture at Hebbal and Chamarajendra Technological Institution at Mysore. His greatest achievements were the establishment of Mysore Univesity in 1916 at Mysore and the Kannada Sahitya Parishat in 1915 at Bangalore to promote the growth of Kannada language and Literature.

Irrigational scheme: He understood the needs of the farmers. He introduced the block system and the automatic gates for better utilisation of the available water. K.R.S. dam was built across Cauvery at (1911 to 1931)Kannambadi and as a result, 150,00 acres of barren lands in the Mandya and Malavalli areas came under cultivation. lie offered many proposals for the eradication of poverty. Canals, tanks and reservoirs were built. Proper sewage systems were introduced.

Railway reforms: Sir M.V. introduced the ‘Railway committee’ in the State. In 1913, the Mysore-Arasikere and Bowringpete – Kolar railway lines were laid. In 1918, Bangalore – Mysore, Mysore Nanjangudu and Bimr-Shimoga railway lines being managed by the Madras and Southern Marata Company were brought under the State control.

Relief works: During Sir. M. Vishweshwaraiah’s Dewanship the first world war (1914-18) broke out. This led to severe shortage of foodstuff. He look up relief works by opening fair price shops, stopping export of food grains and fixing the selling prices.