Last king of the Mysore province (I940-50). Philosopher, Musicologist, Political thinker and Philanthropist.

Born on 18- 7-1919.
Only son of Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wodeyar and Kempu Cheluvajammanni.

Graduated from Maharaja's College, Mysore in 1938 bagging five awards and gold medals. Toured Europe for the first time in 1939; visited many associations in London and got acquainted with many artists and scholars.

He ascended the throne of Mysore on 8th September 1940 as successor of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. He conceded for the accession of Measure Province with the India Union after Independence, but was continued till 26th January 1950, when India became Sovereign Republic. He was Raj Pramukh during 1950-56, first Governor of then Mysore State (now Kamataka) during 1956-65 and Governor of the erstwhile Madras State (now Tamil Nadu) during 1964-67.

He was a good horse-rider and a tennis player. He was a great lover of music and literature. He had a special interest in Western music also. He has written many valuable books: the important ones being "Dattatreya - the Way and the Goal" and "The Geetha and India Culture."

He was the recipient of D.Lit from Queensland University, Australia, Doctor of Law from Banaras University, and D.Lit from Annamalai University. He was honorary Fellow of Trinity College of Music, London, in the year 1945. The British government honored him with GCSI in 1945 and GCB in 1946.