Mysuru Minister's 'Tipu Sultan Laid KRS Dam Foundation Stone' Claim Sparks Controversy

Last Updated:August 04, 2025, 09:24 IST

While experts acknowledge that there is an inscription suggesting Tipu Sultan had a vision for a dam, they argue that claiming he laid the foundation stone is a historical stretch

According to official state records, the dam, as it stands today, was conceptualised and built under the patronage of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in the early 20th century. (PTI)

A new political storm is brewing in Karnataka after Mysuru district in-charge minister HC Mahadevappa claimed that Tipu Sultan laid the foundation stone for the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam. The statement has triggered a sharp backlash from historians and heritage experts, who dispute the claim.

Speaking at a public event, Mahadevappa said, “If you go to the KRS Dam, the first stone laying for the dam was by Tipu Sultan, you have seen it right. But nobody has the courage to say it. Because as Ambedkar said, those who don’t know history can’t create history."

Mahadevappa went on to praise Tipu Sultan’s legacy, highlighting his progressive policies. “There was Masjid on one side in Srirangapatana and temple on the other side," he said. “He could take in both— Allahu Akbar on one side and sound of temple bells on the other. He banned Devadasi system. Women from oppressed classes deprived of social and education benefits were being pushed into the Devadasi system. Tipu Sultan abolished it back then. He brought land reforms."

While historians and heritage experts acknowledge that there is an inscription suggesting Tipu Sultan had a vision for building a dam in the area, they contend that claiming he laid the foundation stone for the present KRS dam is a historical stretch. According to official state records, the dam, as it stands today, was conceptualised and built under the patronage of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in the early 20th century.

Member of Parliament Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar called the minister’s remark “ridiculous" and a “politically motivated attempt to distort history". “There is absolutely no evidence to support the claim that Tipu Sultan laid the foundation for the KRS dam. Everyone knows who truly built the dam," Yaduveer said.

Yaduveer also accused Mahadevappa of making baseless comments to polarise voters. “Tipu fought several wars and there are records of temple destruction during his reign. Only a few temples, such as Srirangapatna and Nanjangud, were allowed to function. This statement is clearly aimed at misleading the public for electoral gain," he added.

The controversy is the latest in a series of political debates surrounding the Wadiyar legacy. Recently, Congress MLC Yathindra, son of chief minister Siddaramaiah, faced criticism for comparing his father’s contributions to the legacy of the revered Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.

Harish Upadhya

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...Read More

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...

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Mysore, India, India

First Published:

August 04, 2025, 09:24 IST

News india Mysuru Minister's 'Tipu Sultan Laid KRS Dam Foundation Stone' Claim Sparks Controversy

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