Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV

Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, born on June 4, 1884, was the twenty-fourth Maharaja of Mysore, reigning from 1902 until his death in 1940. His rule is often celebrated as the golden age of Mysore, during which he earned the esteemed title of rajarshi, or 'saintly king', a recognition bestowed upon him by Mahatma Gandhi in 1925 for his remarkable administrative reforms and achievements.

Regarded as a philosopher king, Wadiyar IV embodied the ideals expressed in Plato's Republic, a sentiment echoed by Paul Brunton. His governance was so highly regarded that John Sankey, at the first Round Table Conference in London in 1930, proclaimed Mysore as the best administered state in the world. His virtuous conduct earned him the admiration of many, including Madan Mohan Malaviya, who described him as 'dharmic'.

Wadiyar IV's legacy is further highlighted by the accolades he received from various figures, including American author John Gunther, who praised his impressive administration and charismatic personality. The Times, in an obituary, referred to him as 'a ruling prince second to none in esteem and affection'.

At the time of his passing, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV was among the wealthiest individuals globally, with a personal fortune estimated to be worth four hundred million dollars in 1940, equivalent to seven billion dollars in 2018 prices. His contributions to Mysore and his enduring legacy continue to be celebrated to this day.