BANGALORE: The inauguration of Vidhana Soudha may have been one of the high points of Karnataka's history, but there are no records available with the state government as to when or how the much-celebrated feat was pulled off.
While it is a known fact that then CM Kengal Hanumanthaiah was instrumental in the construction of Vidhana Soudha, there are no records on when or who inaugurated it. Now, the information department has decided to approach historians to find out so that a granite plaque can be installed.
Even the three living MLAs have no clue about this significant piece of history. "I can't remember. But I know Hanumanthaiah, who was the architect of Vidhana Soudha, did not get opportunity to open it. Vidhana Soudha was dedicated during the period of Kadidal Manjappa," said U Mudappa, MLA who represented Chamarajnagar in 1952.
But the state archives and information department have details prior to the event, including laying of the foundation by then PM Jawaharlal Nehru on July 13, 1951.
Vidhana Soudha: It’s an icon of our
power, pride
As the majestic Vidhana Soudha turns 60, veteran architects K Jaisim and Naresh Narasimhan talk about its engineering and style of architecture.
"The people who made the decision on the design of the edifice were the British Empire and the Maharajas of the princely state of Mysore. The architects, under the direction of the then divan and ministers-in-charge, reverted to the common practice of referring to history and the culture of their ingrained past, both immediate and ancient," said K Jaisim, veteran city-based architect and chief of Jaisim - Fountainhead, Architects, Planners, Engineers, Ecologists. Jaisim explained that the decision was to build a grand and supersized expression.
"Vidhana Soudha, when it was finished, sat in the midst of the most magnificent park in the city. It was built as the tallest structure with one of the biggest domes that Indian engineering could design . The style of the dome and columns reflect the Hoysala empire , one of the finest structures that existed in the Deccan then," said Jaisim.
"They wanted a modern building , which would go on to become the expression of unity and strength of the people of the then Mysore state. All elements of old monuments got incorporated in the architecture. It was designed as a symbol with which people of the state could identify. The Vidhana Soudha, to a large extent, has achieved it in its architecture and today, is certainly the monumental symbol of the aspirations and seat of people's power in the state and city. It is our pride," said Naresh Narasimhan, principal architect, Venkataramanan Associates - Architecture, Engineering, Interiors.
What one sees today draws the masses in awe to its majestic structure. Not just tourists, engineers and architects too are amazed at its brilliance.
"To add to its myth, it has a pretentious twin in the Vikasa Soudha. Together, they surely make the power of governance felt," said Jaisim.
5 RED-LETTER DAYS
1962: Former president S Radhakrishnan unveiled portrait of Mahatma Gandhi in assembly hall
1986: SAARC Summit
2002: All India Speakers' Conference
2005: Address of joint session of assembly and council by then President APJ Kalam
2012: Diamond jubilee celebrations of assembly
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