One of the Constitution makers from Mysore State
The historic N. Madhava Rau Circle, popularly known as Agrahara Circle, is set for redevelopment at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh. In this article, Dr. N. Madhava Rau’s granddaughter recalls her grandfather’s contributions to the Indian Constitution and makes an appeal to retain the Circle’s name as ‘Dewan Nyapathi Madhava Rau Circle.’
By Dr. Veena Ravikumar
Since Constitutionalism is in the air and most definitely in Karnataka, it is time to focus on the Constitution-makers from Mysore State.
Two of the venerable ones were the former Dewan of Mysore, as a Drafting Committee Member of the Constituent Assembly, Nyapathi Madhava Rau and the other, Sir Benegal Rao, as Constitutional Advisor. Both contributed majorly to the Constitution of India and were lauded for it.
My background, having taught Political Science for decades at the University of Delhi, dealt with the Constitution. So I am particularly proud to be the granddaughter of a far-seeing person, Madhava Rau.
My grandfather was a well-read man and he loved books. He had a library filled with books signed by D.V. Gundappa, Kodanda Rao, Rajagopalachari, Radhakrishnan and many eminent personalities.
He was one of those who did not clamour for publicity. With the result, nothing much has been written about him. But those who did admire him brought out eulogies.
His talks were on a philosophical level, but he was also pragmatic and he began the Gokhale Institute for Public Affairs for this reason and took an active interest in its growth.
Delving into research, one finds that Madhava Rau held an important role in carrying out Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar’s plan to build an aircraft factory.
Public records show that he was most involved in education and health. One of the topics he personally mentioned to me as I was studying post-graduation at Manasagangothri was that he very much wanted to establish a Women’s University.
Madhava Rau, after joining Mysore Civil Service and serving the State through the ranks, rose to become Dewan of Mysore between 1941 and 1946. Due to his background in law and administration, he was highly recommended by Sir MV and Sir Mirza Ismail.
Man of formidable reputation
Over a period of time, he had gained himself a formidable reputation and, immediately after the Dewanship in Mysore, went to Odisha as an official advisory consultant. He had innovative ideas and a determination to push them through.
On a lighter note, when I was about to join college and wanted English Literature as a subject, they refused to give it to me, saying that they knew who my grandfather was and I definitely should take Political Science.
‘Thatha’, as we called him, was impressed with young people doing things on their own and encouraging them. I came with a suitcase and a pillow full of books from Kashmir to Bangalore on my own. He was suitably impressed.
Madhava Rau, after joining the Mysore Civil Service and serving the State through the ranks, rose to become Dewan of Mysore between 1941 and 1946.
Due to his background in law and administration, he was highly recommended by Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Sir Mirza Ismail. As Dewan, he was able to do commendable work for the State.
He was a part of the Round Table Conferences in London and also involved in the Government of India Act, 1935.
In early 1946, as Constitutional Advisor to the princely States of Orissa, he joined the Constituent Assembly.
Role in Constitution-making
B.E. Mitter of seven-member Drafting Committee passed away and Madhava Rau was appointed in his place, nominated by the President, on Dec. 5, 1947. It was a great honour and opportunity.
When asked why the Constitution was so long, his answer was: Inclusion of all. India, after a long time, had really become a nation and all castes, subcastes, gender, tribes had to be accommodated and given their rightful position. It was really the document to give identity to a nation.
Madhava Rau was a keen sports enthusiast. He played golf and won a tournament at age 75. He was also the captain of the Golf Club.
As an alternative to British Clubs, he was part of ‘The 100’ who founded the famous Century Club in Bangalore. He loved sports and played polo and tennis.
He was elegant in his attire, both in Western well-cut suits and felt hats, and the Mysore royal attire with a peta (headgear).
I noticed that even when in the hospital, people of all political hues came to meet him, even to consult him, knowing that he would be objective.
It was a sad day when he passed away on Aug. 28, 1972. He was truly a Renaissance man, one of a kind. One could be critical of him, but had to admire him nonetheless.
As the Agrahara Circle’s renovations commence, I hope it will continue to be designated as ‘Dewan Madhava Rau Circle.’ It would not just be a symbolic representation of the intersection of our past and future, but of someone who helped map the nation’s course.
This post was published on May 5, 2026 5:05 pm