Talakad on the banks of the river Cauvery was the seat of the Ganga empire in the 3rd century. Over the centuries Mysore was ruled by various dynasties like the Cholas, the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas , the Vijayanagar Kings, the Mysore Yadu's and finally the Wodeyars. Each of these dynasties left behind a definitive imprint in terms of the culture, architecture and the arts of this beautiful city . The Wodeyar dynasty, ruled Mysore from the 14th century and were passionate about town planning. They transformed Mysore over the centuries. In fact most of the wide roads, magnificent buildings and sprawling parks seen today are a testimony of their meticulous planning and design.

Evolution
The name Mysore was derived from the word Mahishur or Mahishasurana Ooru which in the local language Kannada means the town of Mahishasura. According to a Puranic story Mysore was once ruled by a buffalo headed demon king named Mahishasura who terrorised all the Gods and Goddesses. Goddess Parvathi heard the pleas of all the others and descended from heaven as Chamundeshwari and slew the demon king on a hilltop near Mysore. Ever since the hill and the city were named Chamundi Hills and Mysore.

The world renowned Dasara Festival of Mysore is celebrated over a period of ten days every year to commemorate this victory of good over evil.