Unearthing History: The Campaign for State Recognition of Mysuru's Mahisha Mandalothsava

The cultural landscape of Mysuru is currently abuzz with a fervent campaign: various influential groups are vigorously demanding that the annual Mahisha Mandalothsava be officially declared a state-level celebration. This powerful movement seeks to fundamentally redefine a significant part of Karnataka's historical narrative, challenging centuries-old interpretations of power, identity, and regional heritage.

At the heart of this impassioned plea lies the figure of King Mahisha.

For generations, traditional narratives, particularly those associated with the famous Mysuru Dasara festival, have portrayed him as a malevolent demon, vanquished by the goddess Chamundeshwari. However, the proponents of Mahisha Mandalothsava offer a strikingly different perspective. They assert that King Mahisha was, in fact, a benevolent and just ruler, a protector of his people who fostered a peaceful and prosperous society.

This festival is designed to honor his legacy, presenting a counter-narrative that aims to correct what they perceive as a historical misrepresentation.

The Mahisha Dasara Organising Committee stands at the forefront of this initiative, vociferously advocating for government support and recognition.

Their argument is clear: if the state extends its patronage to the Dasara festival, which celebrates the slaying of Mahisha, it should equally acknowledge and support the Mahisha Mandalothsava, which commemorates his life and reign. This demand highlights a deeper yearning for historical equity and the recognition of diverse cultural perspectives within Karnataka.

Prominent intellectuals and community leaders have lent their voices to this cause.

Figures like Prof. Mahesh Chandra Guru, K. S. Shivaram, B. Ambarish, and P. T. Shivanna have been central to articulating the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the Mahisha Mandalothsava. They contend that the portrayal of Mahisha as a demon is a deliberate fabrication, a Brahminical conspiracy designed to marginalize and demonize an indigenous ruler who, they believe, was a Buddhist king.

This argument is often supported by references to scholarly works, including the research of Prof. D. L. Nanjundaswamy, which seeks to provide archaeological and textual evidence for Mahisha's benevolent rule and his Buddhist connections.

The Mahisha Mandalothsava, therefore, is far more than just a local festival; it is a potent symbol of social justice and historical revisionism.

It challenges the established cultural hegemony and calls for a re-evaluation of history from the perspective of marginalized communities. The organizers emphasize that celebrating Mahisha is not merely about reinterpreting the past but about affirming the identity and historical contributions of groups who feel their stories have been suppressed or distorted.

The campaign has now escalated to the corridors of power, with formal representations being made to the Chief Minister and the Social Welfare Minister.

The hope is that the state government will recognize the cultural, historical, and social significance of the Mahisha Mandalothsava and grant it the status of a state-level celebration, thereby integrating this alternative narrative into the mainstream cultural fabric of Karnataka. Such recognition would signify a landmark moment in acknowledging the multifaceted and often contested history of the region, fostering a more inclusive understanding of its rich heritage.