Mysore/Mysuru, Sept. 21 -- Dr. Shalvapille Iyengar says Dasara's symbolic battle - knowledge Vs ignorance - must be preserved

Amid rising ideological debates over the symbolism of the famed Mysuru Dasara, scholars and cultural historians have voiced concerns that the city's rich heritage and identity could be undermined if the festival's sanctity is diluted.

Speaking at the launch of the research-based book 'Mahishasuramardini', authored by R. Krishnamurthy, Dr. Shalvapille Iyengar, Professor at the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), cautioned that tampering with the philosophical core of Dasara could erode Mysuru's cultural ethos and historical pride.

The event, held at Madhava Krupa...