The Backward Class Movement In Princely State Of Mysore 1916-35 – A Study

Abstract

Princely state of Mysore was under direct rule of the British chief commissioners for nearly fifty years from 1831 to 1881. The state has been recognized as “Progressive” and “Model” in the British colonial period. The native rule in Mysore ensured that the transfer of power was one of the form rather than one of the substance. The British controlled the administration of Mysore indirectly through their Resident. After rendition in 1881 it was found necessary to have popular support and that was why the representative’s institutions emerged that was Representative assembly in 1881 under the Dewanship of Rangacharlu. Mysore was the first state to have institution in which the local elites were the first members. The wants and grievances of the people were expressed in the assembly and government gave them due consideration. These developments created a new awareness among the socially marginalized sections of the society resulted to organized backward class movements in Princely state of Mysore. The Back ward class movement in Princely state of Mysore, which began at 20^th century, has taken different dimensions. It is interesting to note that Back ward class movement mainly centered round the recruitment to government posts at various levels. This paper focuses on the emergence of Back ward class movement in Princely state of Mysore twentieth century towards Nationalism and to take part in Indian National movement.