Maharani Kempa Nanjammani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana : A Maharani Who Sold Her Jewellery To Provide Drinking Water To Millions
Kempananjammanni Devi was the Maharani and regent of the Kingdom of Mysore.
She was married to Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X of Mysore . She was queen regent between 1895 and 1902–during the minority of Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. She occupies as significant place in the annals of Mysore’s history. Her contributions to the citizenry and her roles as maharani, regent, and queen mother to the young prince Yuvaraja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, have been commended.
If you happen to be a resident of Bengaluru, you may have come across public institutions and places named after her — Vani Vilas circle, Vani Vilasapura dam, Vani Vilasa Road and Vani Vilasa bridge.
Early Life:
Born and raised in a royal house of Kalale (now, a district in Mysore), Kempananjammani learnt the nuances of regency from her family. On turning 12, she was married to Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, and was given the title of ‘Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana’. In the following years, she gave birth to two sons, and three daughters.
Being under the British rule, both Chamarajendra and Vani Vilasa didn’t begin their regency until three years after their marriage. In 1881, the British, who had annexed the princely state of Mysore, made Chamarajendra its ruler, but with several restrictions. Despite these limitations, Chamarajendra and Vani Vilasa took the oath of serving their people and established themselves as popular rulers. In 1894, due to terrible climate conditions, Chamarajendra fell terribly sick and died. His sudden death came as a shock to everyone — the British mourned at the loss of an able ruler; the citizens grieved, and the concerns regarding the well-being of the entire princely state began to spread everywhere.
The eldest son of Chamarajendra was still a minor and thus, unable to take the oath as a ruler. In this state of chaos, the responsibilities of ruling fell on Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana. She had a huge task in front of her — to fill the shoes of an excellent ruler. However, through her resilience, she served the state with utmost efficiency, and lead her people into prosperity — creating a legacy of her own.
Regency:
Several historical accounts of her rule as a regent describe the term as being of ‘holding the fort’; of waiting until her eldest son reaches the age of becoming a prince. The administrative machinery of the state was in a good shape and the Maharani didn’t have to do much in ensuring that the state apparatus runs efficiently. Although, her involvement with the state, and her contributions go much beyond the bureaucratic tasks of a regent.
As soon as she was made regent, she appointed more council members for assistance to ensure smooth functioning of all legislative and executive tasks. Being a big believer of education as a tool of empowerment, she took significant efforts to ensure that everyone- especially women are given the opportunity and access to quality education. She provided patronage for the establishment and functioning of a lot of educational institutions. Many more girls were motivated to enrol in schools.
…there are three jewels in Mysore’s history, who have struggled for the country’s good. Maharani Lakshamanni, Maharani Sitavilasa Sannidhana, and Maharani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana [Kempa Nanjammani]. She was not only a mother to Krishnaraja Wadiyar, but also to all the citizens. For the contributions they have made, their names deserve to be written in golden letters…
-Prof. Rao Bahadur R Narasimhachar
Retirement and last days:
She retired when Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV came of age when, on 8 August 1902; the yuvaraja ascended the throne that marked the end of memorable regency and the beginning of what was to become Mysore’s golden era, an era that came to be known by the encomium Ramarajya.
After a brief illness, she died on the midnight of 7 July 1934, in Bangalore.
References:
https://feminisminindia.com/2020/02/17/vani-vilasa-sannidhana-queen-mysores-way-prosperity/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempananjammanni_Devi
https://thebetterindia.com/245219/mysuru-bengaluru-history-queen-kempananjammani-vani-vilasa-cauvery-water-electrcity-education-india-gop94/#google_vignette
