This beautiful statue graces the main entrance of the Lalbaug botanical garden. It’s a tribute to Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar, the last of the official Kings of the Mysore dynasty; he held the throne from 1940 to 1947, when India declared independence from its British rulers. The princely state of Mysore became a part of the Republic of India on 26 January 1950. Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, was a well-known horseman, and was often called on his knowledge to tame rogue elephants or man-eating tigers. He also was the last living premier king to be honored with a 21-gun salute on his demise.