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The Life and Reign of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar IV

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Chamaraja Wodeyar IV was the first independent ruler of Mysore to have any political significance. He ruled for a short period of 4 years.

Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar IV– Quick Facts

  • 7th Maharaja of the Mysore Kingdom
  • Period of reign- 1572 – 1576
  • Preceded by Timmaraja Wodeyar II
  • Succeeded by Chamaraja Wodeyar V
Chamaraja Wodeyar IV ,Mysore Palace, Mysore Kings
Mysore Palace, the seat of Mysore Kings. Image courtesy Muhammad Mahdi Karim

Chamaraja Wodeyar IV – Early Years

Chamaraja Wodeyar IV was the youngest son of Chamaraja Wodeyar III. He was born on 25th July 1507. According to local legends, on a visit to Chamundi Hills as a young boy, he was struck by lightning. The lightening singed the hair on his scalp and left him bald. This earned him the nickname Bola-Chamaraja or Chamaraja, the bald.  He had two consorts and a number of sons and daughters with them.

Chamaraja Wodeyar IV – Reign (1553-1572)

Chamaraja Wodeyar IV ascended to the throne after the demise of his eldest brother Timmaraja Wodeyar II. He was 65 years old at this time. Chamaraja Wodeyar IV is renowned for his courage and valour and was said to be an expert in archery.

One of his first acts as King was to expel all Vijayanagar envoys and revenue collectors from Mysore. Apart from a small delegation in Srirangapattana, all traces of Vijayanagar high command were removed from Mysore.

Shortly after coming to power, his authority was tested by Rama-Rajaiya who laid siege to Mysore for three months. Chamaraja’s victory over Rama-Rajaiya enhanced his prestige in the eyes of his contemporaries. During his reign, he built the Trineshwara temple in Mysore and drained the Cholagere tank.

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