Portrait of Sir Chamarajendra Wodyar, Maharajah of Mysore, seated, half-length, in a white costume with a belt bearing a miniature portrait of Queen Victoria and a blue and gold turban

The Maharajah of Mysore (1863-1895) succeeded to the throne in 1869 when he was still a minor, and was invested in power at 18 years. Sir Chamarajendra was an enlightened ruler and responsible for the development of communications, improving female education, the encouragement of mining and other industries and in fostering local government. During 1877-78, the State was devastated by one of the most terrible famines ever known and by several very serious droughts. It was Sir Chamarajendra's measures for the relief and further prevention of famines that earned him a reputation for prudent and far-sighted philanthropy. In 1884, the Maharajah was created a Knight of the Order of the Star of India.