Alexander I of Russia vs Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV

Alexander I ascended the throne after the assassination of his father, Paul I. He was aware of the conspiracy but did not prevent it. His accession was greeted with relief by the nobility, who hoped for a return to the liberal policies of Catherine the Great.

Alexander I led Russia during Napoleon's invasion. The Russian army retreated, employing scorched-earth tactics, and then defeated the French at the Battle of Borodino. Napoleon's Grand Army was destroyed during the winter retreat from Moscow. This victory made Alexander a key figure in European politics.

Alexander I played a leading role at the Congress of Vienna, which redrew the map of Europe after Napoleon's defeat. He advocated for the creation of the Holy Alliance and secured Russian control over Poland as a constitutional kingdom. The congress established a balance of power that lasted for decades.

Alexander I initiated the Holy Alliance with Austria and Prussia, a pact based on Christian principles to maintain peace and suppress revolutions. The alliance became a tool for reactionary policies across Europe, intervening in uprisings in Italy and Spain. It reflected Alexander's growing mysticism and conservatism.

Alexander I granted a liberal constitution to the Kingdom of Poland, which he created as a personal union with Russia. The constitution established a parliament, civil liberties, and a separate army. However, Alexander later violated its provisions, leading to Polish discontent and eventual uprisings.

Alexander I died suddenly in Taganrog under unclear circumstances, leading to rumors that he had faked his death to become a hermit. The legend of Feodor Kuzmich, a holy man who appeared in Siberia and was believed to be Alexander, persisted for decades. His death triggered the Decembrist Revolt.

Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV established the Mysore Representative Assembly, one of the first legislative bodies in a princely state. It allowed elected members to discuss policies and budgets, giving the people a voice in governance.

Krishnaraja supported women's education by establishing schools and colleges for girls. He also enacted laws to raise the age of marriage and improve the status of women, contributing to social progress in Mysore.

Krishnaraja launched a comprehensive economic development plan that included industrialization, irrigation projects, and hydroelectric power. The Krishnarajasagara Dam and the Mysore Iron and Steel Works were key projects that boosted the state's economy.

Krishnaraja founded the University of Mysore, the first university in the state and one of the earliest in India. It promoted higher education and research, and became a model for other princely states.

Mahatma Gandhi praised Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV as a 'Rajarshi' (royal sage) for his enlightened rule and social reforms. Gandhi's endorsement enhanced the Maharaja's reputation as a progressive and benevolent ruler.