Curse of the Mysore Royal family: a Rational Analysis
Talakadu Maralaagali
Malangi Maduvaagali
Mysuru Dhoregalige Makkalagade hogali!
These prophetic and terrible words, uttered by a distressed woman in 1610 AD, will complete 400 years next year, in 2010. The “curse of the Wodeyars” also known as the “curse of Talakad” as well as “curse of Malangi” is said to have played havoc on the town of Talakad, village of Malangi and the lives of generations of Wodeyars. But does the curse really exist? There are many people who believe it does and there are many proofs of this. But living in 21st century, can we believe something which has no rational and scientific basis? Should we not use rationality and scientific mind to challenge long held assumptions based on a 400 year old tale.
Based on some interesting books and articles written by historians, archaeologists, geologists and genealogists, I have attempted to find the REAL truth behind the story of this curse. First we look at the story of the curse, its effects and loopholes in the story, followed by a detailed scientific and historic analysis, the findings of which shall surprise you.
Raja Wodeyar, the Wodeyar ruler of Mysore, who was supposed to have been cursed by Rani Alamelamma in 1610 AD.
The story of the curse:
Raja Wodeyar was the founder of the royal Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore. The Vijayanagara empire was in its full decline and Raja Wodeyar was one of its chieftains aiming and jostling for power. In those days, the Vijayanagara Viceroy named Tirumala held court at Srirangapatna and Raja Wodeyar was his vassal. Tirumala was getting increasingly wary his powerful feudatory. He hatched a cunning plan to invite all chieftains under his suzerainty for Hindu festival of Dusshera to Srirangapatna and put them to death. Unfortunately for Tirumala, Raja Wodeyar discovered this plot and attacked Srirangapatna and captured it overthrowing Tirumala and establishing his rule. Tirumala fled to a village of Malangi with his wife, Rani Alamelamma. This is where the story of the curse actually begins.