The city brings the image of its royal foundation, known for its royal heritage and magnificent buildings and monuments, home of two UNESCO world heritage sites. The cultural ambiance and achievements of this city earned it the sobriquet of Cultural Capital of South India. It served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Mysore from late 14th century until mid 20th century. This period saw the kingdom change many hands of rulers and kings, from the Wadiyar Dynasty to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. During the reigns of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the first mulberry trees were planted here, thus introducing silk production which added to the region’s industrial growth. Now today, the city’s silk quality is recognized as the finest in the world.