Mysuru: India Post, in association with the Karnataka Philatelic Society, has released a special postcard set celebrating members of the erstwhile Mysore royal family whose contributions helped shape modern Mysuru. 

The collection comprises five postcards featuring portraits of prominent Wadiyar rulers and royals, created by artist Prithvi Prabhu, along with a specially designed presentation pack.  

The cover depicts Goddess Chamundeshwari against the backdrop of Mysore Palace, capturing the cultural essence of the region. Prabhu completed the series during COVID-19.  

This is the first time the Department of Posts has issued a postcard collection dedicated to Wadiyar dynasty. The set honours five transformative personalities whose contributions left a lasting impact on the State’s cultural, educational and administrative landscape. 

Krishnaraja Wadiyar III is remembered for reviving Mysore’s arts, music and literature in the 19th century, laying foundation for a cultural renaissance 

Chamaraja Wadiyar X, a progressive ruler, supported Swami Vivekananda’s historic journey to Chicago and established several key institutions. 

Maharani Kempananjammani, who served as regent, championed women’s education and public health initiatives while overseeing the construction of the Vani Vilasa Sagara Dam (popularly known as Mari Kanive Dam), a reservoir constructed across the Vedavathi river                       in Hosadurga Taluk, Chitradurga District. 

Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, revered as the Rajarshi, spearheaded Mysore’s transformation through industrialisation, social reforms and support for institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science. 

The collection also features Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore, who earned distinction as a scholar, philosopher and musicologist before guiding the State’s integration into independent India. 

According to philatelists, the initiative blends history, art and stamp collecting, helping preserve and popularise the legacy of the Wadiyars among a new generation of collectors and history enthusiasts. 

The collection was launched on June 4 at Beaulieu on Palace Road, Bengaluru, the former residence of Princess Jayalakshammanni, sister of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. The heritage building now houses the Office of the Chief Postmaster General. 

Priced at Rs. 100 each, the postcards witnessed an overwhelming response, with the initial stock selling out soon after launch. Reprints are currently underway to meet the growing demand.