After the death of Tipu Sultan, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar was crowned king of Mysore. Although his authority was limited under the direct rule of the British Empire, he remained a strong patron of the arts, including music, painting, and architecture. A poet himself, he supported several distinguished poets and scholars at his court. His deep passion for education was evident in his role as Patron and President of the Sadvidya Institution, which proved to be a significant blessing for the school.
From 1854 to 1868, the institution followed the Periyaswamy Tirumalacharya Gurukula–style of teaching and flourished under his benevolent guidance.
When full power was restored to the Mysore rulers in 1881, Chamaraja Wodeyar IX ascended the throne. He implemented major public welfare initiatives, including railway development, construction of embankments and canals, and the establishment of administrative and representative institutions such as the People’s Representative Council.
King Chamaraja Wodeyar IX also revolutionized education in the state. During his reign, he established approximately 800 primary schools, 50 English schools, 5 art schools, and 2 teacher training schools, significantly expanding access to education. To revive Sanskrit learning, he opened 30 Sanskrit schools and 3 Sanskrit colleges.
With his progressive outlook, he encouraged Sadvidya School to evolve into a dual English–Sanskrit educational institution, reinforcing the traditional values and scholarly excellence that have made it a premier institution in Mysore.
Sadvidya Educational Institution was founded in 1854 by Sri. Periswamy Thirumalacharya. At the behost of the then Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Gunja Narasimhiah donated a building which at present houses the management office, in the year 1870.
Sadvidya Girl’s High School was established in 1973 to commemorate the centenary celebration of the institution. Later, co-education was introduced.
