Trendy lifestyle snuffing out tradition in Mysore

Mysore, Mar 16: With this city of palaces becoming a favourite travel and investment destination, the impact of growth is slowly being felt on the lifestyle of the residents, who had been steadfastly following the traditions handed down for many generations and patronised by the erstwhile Wadiyar dynasty.

The famous Shah Pasand 'Mysore Tongas', the Mysore Unde Neshya (snuff), the traditional wrestling and various other symbols of heritage have become endangered, thanks to the changes in habits and lifestyle, and urbanisation altering the city's landscape.

The Mysore tongas, the principal mode of transport in the earlier days, had given way to modern motorised vehicles. Mysore, which was once home to over 1,000 Shah Pasand Mysore Tongas, had less than 100 in good condition today. Tongas, known for their exclusive design, was popularised by the then ruler Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.

Age-old tonga owners, who once did good business, told UNI that business had been affected after modern transport systems found favour with the people.

Today, the tongawallas rely on tourists, especially foreigners, for eking out their livelihood. Many of their ilk have converted their Shah Pasand into goods transport vehicles, while tonga stands have transformed into bus and auto stands.

Another tradition of Mysore that had taken a beating with the changing lifestyle was the Mysore Unde Neshya, with expert Neshya makers having almost disappeared from business. The snuff once enjoyed immense popularity among the rich, intellectuals and writers, and was popularly referred to as 'Janana Choorna'. People from far and wide were addicted to the snuff, made from an exquisite combination of finely powdered tobacco leaves and fresh butter or ghee. Only a few individuals still come in search of their favourite stimulant, which once competed with the readymade snuff from the then Madras presidency.

A third generation snuff trader H B Mallesh of H M Basappa and sons said that with the arrival of Gutka and cigarette, the business had been virtually snuffed out.

The city, which once boasted of more than 40 manufacturers, now had only seven shops left. The stimulant that was sold in bulk a few decades ago was being prepared only on placing an order today.

Likewise, the arrival of modern gyms and health clubs had weaned the younger generation away from the traditional 'Garadi Mane' (traditional gymnasium), once teeming with enthusiastic wrestlers who practiced 'Naada Kusti'.

Patronised by the Mysore royal family and encouraged by the public since the early 17th century, Naada Kusti was popular among those from the lower middle classes and rural areas.

Only a few gardis were remaining of the 70 that prospered in the city earlier. Membership to these traditional gymnasiums had declined and those functioning were struggling to keep themselves afloat due to public and Government apathy.

The main Naada Kusti agakada was Sahukar Chennaiah Agakada, now used only during the famous Dasara festival to conduct wrestling competitions.

Even as the city was witnessing growth, it was slowly but surely losing its pieces of heritage.

UNI