A textbook of class 2 states that it was Sir M Visvesvaraya who built the KRS dam without making a mention of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar History says that it was then former Mysore ruler who envisioned the project Mysureans are upset over the Public Instructions Department for misguiding the students with errors

A gross negligence on the part of Public Instructions Department in crediting Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar with the construction of Krsihnaraja Sagar (KRS) Reservoir in class 2 textbook has angered historians, especially, Mysureans. Instead, the textbook says it was Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya who built the dam in Mysuru.

In the Kannada workbook, chapter 13 on 'Cauvery', it says that Sir M Visvesvaraya built the dam without making a mention of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. History says that it was Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar who envisioned such a project for then Mysuru kingdom. Nalwadi Wadiyar had even sold jewelleries to arrange money to build the dam.

However, not making a mention of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar for what he did for the state has angered many, reports One India. "It was Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar who decided to build dam across river Cauvery and he commissioned engineer Sir MV to design the project. But not giving due credit to Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar is unacceptable," reports One India quoting a teacher. The mistake could have cropped up due to the oversight of textbook committee. But the department could have cross-checked the facts, before publishing it. Such errors misguide the students.

The construction of the dam began in 1911 and was completed in 1932. "Textbooks should reflect all aspects of the history. Dropping Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in a chapter dedicated to KRS dam is an insult to the history. This cannot be accepted," says historian Muzaffar Assadi.

It may be recalled here that a book on KRS dam 'Naanu Kannambadi Katte' authored by noted historian Prof PV Nanjaraje Urs had stoked controversy as the book challenged Sir MV's role as chief engineer of the KRS dam. "Talking of KRS dam without Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar is incomplete. The textbook committee should have credited the former Mysore ruler," observed Prof Urs.