Donations and Philanthropy in the Mysore Kingdom: Building Social and Educational Foundations
Author(s): Suma V
Publication #: 2609014
Date of Publication: 17.11.2025
Country: India
Pages: 1-6
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 6 November-2025
Abstract
This article shows how adoption within the Wadiyar dynasty helped preserve the continuity of the Mysore throne across more than six centuries of South Indian history. When a ruler had no biological heir, an adopted successor could protect the line of succession and prevent uncertainty over who would inherit royal authority. Adoption also carried a strong religious purpose. The chosen heir was expected to continue ancestral rites, honour family deities, and perform duties linked to the welfare of the dynasty and its people. These customs gave adoption meaning beyond private family law. They connected the royal household with established traditions, political rights, and public expectations. By accepting an adopted prince into the dynasty, the Wadiyars protected the family name, maintained court practices, and carried their legacy into a new generation. In this way, adoption linked legal recognition, sacred duty, and the survival of dynastic rule.
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