Mysuru, 14 April 

The Mysuru royal family on Monday said the 5,000 acres spread over nine villages surrounding Siddaiahanapura in Chamarajanagar district is its property, but the villagers residing there need not worry.

After approaching the Chamarajanagar district administration, royal family matriarch Pramoda Devi Wadiyar clarified that they will not disturb the villagers who are using the land.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference held at her residence at the Mysuru Royal Palace, Pramodevi said the documents available with them clearly states that the 5,113 acres of land is the royal family’s property as per the agreement between the Maharaja of erstwhile Mysore and the Government of India in February 1951.

She urged the villagers not to panic. “We don’t know why the villagers are in fear. I am saying this now that they need not get scared now or even in future. I am giving them assurance that even if the Khatha comes in our name, they need not be afraid.”

On 29 March, the State government had decided to declare Siddaiahanapura as a revenue village, prompting Pramodevi to write a letter to Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag and other senior members of the government stating that the land belonged to the royal family.

After she had written her letter, some farmers reportedly went to meet the Chamarajanagar DC, claiming that Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the last reigning ruler of Maharaja, had gifted the land to the villagers. Pramodevi said had no information regarding this.

"If farmers have records, gift deeds, let them meet Chamarajanagar DC. They can approach my office too. The Mysuru royal family will not reclaim its land if the Maharaja gifted the land to villagers", Wadiyar added.

The royal family had written a similar letter to the Chamarajanagar district administration over the land in 2014 as well. Her family had approached the High Court, other upper courts to protect its property.