Tipu nurtured a vision but credit for modern KRS dam goes to Nalwadi, says historian

The statement of Mysuru district in charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa who said on Sunday that Tipu Sultan laid the foundation for the KRS dam, is expected to trigger sharp reactions in political circles given the polarised atmosphere in the present times.

Historian and heritage expert N.S. Rangaraju pointed out that what Mr. Mahadevappa has stated is documented and there indeed is an inscription to the affect that Tipu Sultan was keen on building a dam. “But to state that he laid the foundation stone for the present KRS is too farfetched,” said Prof. Rangaraju.

‘’The dam, as it exists today, was conceptualised and built under the patronage of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in the early 20th century. While Tipu may have had a vision for water works, linking him directly to KRS overlooks the documented engineering and administrative efforts of the Mysuru royal family,” Prof. Rangaraju added.

He also cautioned against comparing historical figures across different eras, pointing out that a successor may have benefited from advancements in science, technology, and other developments unavailable to their predecessors.

Mahadevappa’s statement is expected to stoke fresh controversy as historical figures and their legacies have become increasingly politicised in Karnataka’s public discourse in recent weeks.

For, Yathindra had compared the contribution of his father, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with the legacy of Nalwadi inviting both rebuke and protests by those who revere the Wadiyar legacy in Mysuru.