By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

This sepia toned photograph is the official coronation portrait of H.H. Krishnaraja Wadiyar Bahadur IV taken on Saturday, 2nd February 1895. Photographed by M. Buranudin R.P. (Royal Photographer?)

The photographer has aesthetically arranged Victorian furniture, a metallic European table-clock, two leather-bound books along with a dog (probably a sculpture) to add character to the still photograph. The young prince bedecked in heavy jewellery and a grand woven silk dress gives a hesitant side glance to the camera. The background is a painted cloth screen faintly depicting an English countryside.

After the demise of H.H. Chamaraja Wadiyar X, in 1894 at Calcutta, the Viceroy’s Office announced that the eleven years old, Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the eldest son of the deceased king, would be recognised as the heir to the Mysore throne and would assume ruling powers when he turns eighteen. The coronation was performed at Mysore Palace in the presence of the British Resident Col. Henderson who attended all the customary ceremonies on Friday, 1st February 1895.

The official installation ceremony granting him ruling powers was held on Friday, 8th August 1902. Until then his mother H.H. Vani Vilasa Sannidhana was the Regent and along with a Council of three eminent citizens of erstwhile Mysore State administered the kingdom.

[Size: 15×20 cms; Collection: Ramsons Kala Pratishtana]