Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, scion of the Mysore royal family, died on Tuesday in Bangalore after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 60.
Wadiyar was admitted to hospital in the afternoon. “Around 2 pm, he fell unconscious. A team headed by Dr Ranganath Nayak tried its best to revive him, but failed. We declared him dead at 3:30 pm,” said Dr Madan Kumar, administrator, Vikram Hospital.
Wadiyar, a four-time MP and a cricket administrator, was the only son of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore. He was married to Pramoda Devi, who belongs to the Ursu family of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore.
Just 10 days ago, on December 1, Wadiyar returned as Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president, after defeating prominent businessman Sadananda Maiya with a big margin. Always a cricket enthusiast, Wadiyar had first become KSCA president in 2007 after defeating legendary batsman G R Viswanath.
However, his return to the KSCA helm 10 days ago did not come under happy circumstances. Days before the elections he was admitted to Vikram Hospital in Bangalore with multiple organ failure. He was discharged from the hospital just two days before the KSCA elections on December 1.
Wadiyar had been suffering from diabetes for many years and in recent times he was also on regular dialysis. He had developed more complications after he underwent a bariatric surgery (weight loss procedure) three years ago.
Wadiyar had assumed the titular role of the Mysore royal family after the death of his father and the last ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar in 1974. With Wadiyar’s death, the dynasty is without a successor from the royal lineage. However, to continue the royal tradition, one of his nephews may be conferred the title, according to family sources.
Wadiyar will be given a state funeral on Wednesday in Mysore. The last rites will be performed at Manuvana (the royal graveyard) at 11 am. Wadiyar’s mortal remains will be kept for public to pay homage at the Mysore Palace Kalyana Mantapa. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a host of dignitaries will attend the funeral.
As soon as the news of Wadiyar’s death reached Mysore, a pall of gloom descended on the royal palace, with all activities coming to a standstill. Twenty-one stalls on the palace compound, especially those surrounding the Maharaja’s private museum, downed shutters, with shopkeepers mourning the untimely demise of their “buddhi”.
Holiday today
Schools, colleges and State government offices will remain closed on Wednesday with the State declaring a holiday following the demise of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, reports DHNS.
Banks and financial institutions will function.
The State government also declared a two-day mourning on Wednesday and Thursday.