The Mysore royals have always kept away from publicly expressing their reservations over the celebration of Tipu Jayanti. However, even as Tipu Sultan is being criticised for his alleged atrocities against several communities, including Wadiyar (Mysore royals), in Karnataka, Rajamatha Pramoda Devi Wadiyar has broken her silence over the issue.
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"The atrocities by Tipu is recorded in history books. Our ancestor Maharani Lakshmamanni and her son were kept in confinement in Srirangapatna. And there are several other incidents that have caused us pain. No doubt, he hurt our family. But raking up such issues from the past causes us immense pain. I don't believe in exposing ourselves to be hurt. Nobody has a right to hurt us. It is always better not to give in to situations that cause you hurt," said Wadiyar, while speaking to a private television channel.
Even as she refused to comment on Tipu Jayanti celerbations, she reiterated that people suffered many atrocities under Tipu's reign. "It is a government decision. One must understand that it was not just our family that suffered at the hands of Tipu. There is a community called Mandyam Iyengars, who also suffered. The community does not celebrate Deepavali till date as mass killings were carried out on Deepavali by Tipu Sultan. Similarly, people in Madikeri have also suffered."
The state government is, perhaps, free to take decisions which are beneficial or hurtful to the people, she said sarcastically, adding that as a citizen she was entitled to her opinion.
