The University of Mysore is among the foremost institutions of its kind, and is an enduring symbol in the sphere of higher education in India. It was founded by the then Maharaja of Mysore, His Highness Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his Dewan, the renowned engineer - statesman, Sir M. Visvesvaraya, on July 27, 1916. The Maharaja of Mysore became its first Chancellor.