In terms of succession, the successor was either a hereditary inheritor or, in case of no issue, handpicked by the reigning monarch or his privy council.

[1][4][6] However, earlier references to the region as mahishaka dating back to mythology and the Vedic period exist.

[9] During the reigns of kings Kanthirava Narasaraja I and Devaraja Wodeyar I, the kingdom saw great territorial expansion.

[10] In the latter half of the 18th century, during the sultanate of the Hyder Ali-Tipu father-son duo dictating the kingdom in succession,[11] the maharajas went largely unrecognised or merely remained nominal rulers.

The role was thus incorporated into the democratic system, the governor being recommended by the Government of India and appointed by the President.