The Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore is one of India's most storied royal families — having reigned over the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947 (with a brief Tipu Sultan interruption), making it a 548-year dynasty. The current head of the family is Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who took up the titular position in 2015 at the age of 23 following the death of his uncle Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar.
The Family's Roots: The Wadiyars of Mysore
The dynasty was founded in 1399 by Yaduraya Wadiyar, who established the kingdom around the modern Mysore region. After 1799, the British placed the family back on the throne after Tipu Sultan's defeat. The last Wadiyar Maharaja, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947 and served as the first Governor of Mysore State.
Recent Generations
Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar (18 July 1919 – 23 September 1974) was the 25th and last reigning Maharaja.
His son Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar (20 February 1953 – 10 December 2013) was a controversial figure who fought legal battles over the family's substantial property holdings (Mysore Palace, Bangalore Palace, and the Amba Vilas Palace).
The Current Head: Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, born 24 March 1992, was Srikantadatta's grand-nephew (he descends from a different branch of the family). He was adopted in February 2015 by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, Srikantadatta's widow, to continue the family line. He took up the titular leadership in May 2015.
He studied at University of Massachusetts Amherst (Bachelor's in Economics, English, and History).
His Wife: Trishika Kumari Wadiyar
Trishika Kumari, born 20 March 1991, is the daughter of the late Maharaja Harshvardhan Singh of Dungarpur (Rajasthan). She and Yaduveer married on 27 June 2016.
Their Children
Yaduveer and Trishika have one son: Aadyaveer Narasimharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar, born December 2017.
The Wadiyar Family Tree at a Glance
Dynasty
- Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore, founded 1399 by Yaduraya
- 25 reigning Maharajas through 1947
- Continues as titular royal family with limited ceremonial role
Recent Generations
- Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar (1919 – 1974) — last reigning Maharaja
- Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar (1953 – 2013) — titular head 1974–2013
- Pramoda Devi Wadiyar — Srikantadatta's widow; legal head of the family
Current Head: Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar
- Born 24 March 1992
- Adopted son of Pramoda Devi (February 2015)
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (BA Economics, English, History)
- Titular Maharaja from 28 May 2015
Wife: Trishika Kumari Wadiyar
- Born 20 March 1991
- Daughter of Maharaja Harshvardhan Singh of Dungarpur, Rajasthan
- Married Yaduveer on 27 June 2016
Son
- Aadyaveer Narasimharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar (b. December 2017)
What the Wadiyar Family Story Teaches Us
A 548-year dynasty. A line that has had to use adoption to continue. A 23-year-old American-educated heir thrust into family leadership. A Rajasthani princess wife from another royal family. A young son who carries forward a half-millennium of family record. The Wadiyar tree is one of India's deepest.
For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Wadiyar story carries the same lesson. Sometimes families continue through adoption rather than only through direct descent. Adoption is a legitimate, dignified, ancient way to keep a tree alive. The Wadiyar family is proof that an adopted heir carries the line forward exactly as a biological heir would. Write down the adopted members of your own family. They belong on the tree.
👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App
- Android: Family Root App on Google Play
- iOS: Family Root App on Apple Store
📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records including Wikipedia, Britannica, and verified news reports. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not represent any political endorsement or commentary on the policies of any government or individual. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.
