ABSTRACT
The social impact of wealthy religious maṭhas, such as Adichunchanagiri, is hugely significant in Karnataka. One of the conspicuous aspects of the chaotic environment of Karnataka politics is that, although the locus may have shifted, the politics of honour and political ritual still remain a vital mechanism that connects people in the locality with larger political spheres. The widespread use of the ideals and values of kingship by political leaders and caste elites suggests instead that a greater variety of groups now participate in the competitive sharing of kingliness. The transformation of the capital city was an allegory for colonial kingship in Mysore. The capital city was remodelled to become a re-presentation of rājadharma. The 'loyal' anti-government agitation in Mysore, in which one can find an echo of the ritual pattern of the annual celebration of Dasara, shows many similarities with ritual rebellion within the princely state of Bastar in central India.
