A towering figure in the world of letters, Udupi Rajagopalacharya Ananthamurthy, who died on Friday, was modern in his sensibilities and intellectual underpinnings in his literary works questioned many deeply-held beliefs.
Like his literary works, Ananthamurthy’s strong political views were also striking, often landing him in unseemly situations and controversies. A multi-faceted personality and rated as one of the best writers in the country, 82-year old Ananthamurthy has won acclaim from critics and fans alike.
In his literary life, the Kannada writer has won the Padma Bhushan in 1998, Jnanpith award in 1994, the state Rajyothsava award in 1984, while his nomination for the 2013 Man Booker International Prize brought him to the attention of a Western audience. He was also the Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala during late 1980s.
A socialist in political belief, he also tried to dabble in politics contesting the Lok Sabha and Rajya elections once each unsuccessfully and courted controversies quite often with his views that generally were against BJP and Sangh Parivar.
At the height of the recent Lok Sabha poll campaign, Ananthamurthy had said he would leave the country if Narendra Modi becomes Prime Minister but later did a U-turn, saying the remark was made when he was overcome by emotion.
“That was too much to say because I can’t go anywhere except India,” he had said but his remarks had raised the hackles of BJP and many others who questioned his “intolerant” attitude and disrespect towards a possible popular mandate in favour of Modi.
Ananthamurthy had said if Modi comes to power it may result in a “shift in our civilisation.” “I have a feeling that we may slowly lose our democratic rights or civil rights when there is a bully. But much more than that when there is a bully we become cowards.”
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> India> India-Others / Press Trust of India, Bangalore / August 22nd, 2014
Aliyeh Rizvi used to run a niche design store called Native Place many years ago. It encapsulated her love for handcrafted traditions, nostalgia and fading remnants of culture. She took to passionate blogging subsequently to revisit everything that Bangalore stands for. Native Place no longer exists as a physical space but it is now a “collaborative mind space that works to build awareness of Bangalore’s local history and culture through curated experiences, travel writing and city based collaterals. It explores ways in which information can be used to create meaning and build a deeper connect.”
In a chat with City Express, she talks about the many projects she has undertaken to keep the memory of a genteel city alive that is now being overtaken by change at every level.
Poignant memories
The best memories I have are of Bangalore’s trees and gardens, and a life lived among them. Avenues were awash with different colours all through the year, jacaranda petals fell on our shoulders as we passed. Large family picnics were organised in Cubbon Park and Lalbagh when the weather was good. I miss the beautiful bungalows that had lovely large gardens: fruits, flowers and scented plants. I miss the Queen of the Night that bloomed after sunset, scenting an entire lane with its fragrance. We made passion fruit juice and gooseberry jam from our own fruit trees and compound walls had moss! Which means it was traditionally a cold, damp climate where early morning baths were always accompanied by shivering!
A Turquoise Cloud
I blog and write offline about the Bangalore I grew up in, to save it from vanishing. The city is my home and I am rooted in it. My blog, A Turquoise Cloud, is an archive of information and stories about local culture, city people and our symbolic spaces. The city I grew up with was being knocked down rapidly and it was becoming increasingly difficult to connect with it physically. Houses I had played in were now hi-rise buildings. The local grocery store I stopped at for sweets after school had disappeared. Trees were cut down, roads had changed. Streetscapes in the city were altered forever. I felt a terrible sense of displacement in my own hometown. I could not recognise or identify with it anymore.
That’s why we old Bangaloreans spend so much time in sentimental nostalgia and B&W photographs. It’s our only way of coping with loss.
So where does one go to find this other Bangalore? I chose to recreate it online, where it can stay virtually untouched. ATC is a space where I create a context for the present through memories, images and stories of the city. I choose to focus on the present, by giving it a meaning through the past.
historical connect
One of my most memorable projects was as Curator, Centre for Public History, Srishti School of Art Design and Technology where I co-facilitated a successful Public History Project titled ‘The Tiger Comes to Town’ to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Archaeological Survey of India. The focus was the Bangalore Fort in Bangalore’s busy Kalasipalayam area and its role in local history during the 18th Sultanate, the time of Tipu Sultan, and the Third Anglo-Mysore War of 1791.
It aimed to reconnect the public with their local heritage sites through deeper engagement, build awareness and instil pride in the same. It combined elements from oral history, design, academic enquiry and performance so students could look at multiple ways to engage with the site during the course of the project. The outcome was a true city project in more ways than one.
breakfast specials
One of my most popular posts was the Bangalore Breakfast Special, since the and the eating out-breakfast tradition is so unique to our city. I wrote that Bangaloreans love their breakfast and discuss it intensely.
Replies flooded in with suggestions to try other favourite joints, NRIs posted with intense nostalgia for iconic restaurants mentioned, more discussions about food happened, vows to visit, and even arguments over the best idlis-and dosas! Like I said, we are obsessed with our tiffin! It is always wonderful when people write in with comments and stories of their own, volunteer to share information and photographs.
We also have a page on Facebook for daily interactions and information. The blog allows you to access information by usage (eat, breathe, know) and geography (north, south, east). All posts are research intensive and constructed to provide comprehensive information, painstakingly collected, in one place.
It often takes days to track down information, locate people or join the dots, but it has to be done. In this space, I can now see the Bangalore I know and love.
Back to Native Place
Native Place is the seed of an idea which will hopefully grow into a larger organisation where people interested in the city can work together on creating new formats for city history and culture based projects- through documentation, interactions, performance and information based collateral.
Perhaps knowing a little more will build a relationship, create protectiveness and then generate the ownership we require so badly right now. Our website will be up soon and city based activities will hopefully start with the onset of the festive season.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service / August 19th, 2014
M.S. Subbanna, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), City Armed Reserve (CAR) Police has won the CM’s Vishist Seva Medal for the year 2014.
Currently, Subbanna is serving the Chamundi Commando Force. He is the son of M.V. Subbajetty and Rangamma of city. He joined Police service on Jan. 31, 1977 and has served in Palace Security and at MM Hills. The coveted honour has been bestowed on him in recognition of his honest and good service.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 17th, 2014
The aircraft lands on a narrow piece of land that leads straight to a valley. And that valley was where an ill-fated aircraft had crashed a few years ago. That is all I could think of during my descent into Mangalore. I held onto to the sides of the chair and hoped that I would live. It was a smooth landing and for once I was grateful for that sharp brake. Once out of the airport, I caught a cab and headed out to the hotel.
But I wasn’t ready for what was coming next. On steep roads, swirling down the hill was like going down a softie curl. And then my first glimpse of the glimmering city. It looked beautiful.. laid out in front of me like a carpet of twinkling lights. I passed by a group of people – a large family with adults and children. I wondered what they were doing so far from the city at 9.30 pm, and then I saw a plane in the distance. It made sense. With heads lifted and upturned faces, they watched the flight come closer and got their fix of the day.
And that got me thinking about Mangalore. In my first 30 minutes here, I had moved from extreme fear to delight to warm-fuzziness. It had a small-town quality that made me wish for more.
Historically Mangalore is grand, Tipu Sultan had been here. It has had an important place in history. But what had happened to it now? Was it just another mid-sized city, now? I didn’t associate it with the grandeur of a big city or a city that had dynasties fighting for it. I associated Mangalore with crime and communal tensions, and that was all I knew about it. But surely Mangalore is much more than that.
The next morning, with just four hours before I made my way to Kasargode, the actual destination of the holiday, plans had to be remade. Maps were scrutinised and the reception lady thoroughly grilled. The plan was finalised- the day would include Sultan Battery, the College Chapel, the Mangaladevi temple and a stop at Ideal Cafe since everyone was raving about it.
The driver of my car was not from Mangalore. He had no clue where Sultan Battery was. He tried asking local people who didn’t seem to be very clear either, but were aggravated that I did not know how to pronounce the word ‘battery.’
Then Google Maps came to the rescue. On the way, Mangalore refused to let me get surly by tempting me with vistas of green spaces and simple but beautiful houses.
Sultan Battery is situated on a bend along a river as it snakes through to the sea. It seemed to have a very strategic position, overlooking both sides of the river. Built by Tipu Sultan, this was a watch-tower to see if anyone was crossing the river and coming over with dark intentions.
Built with black basalt rocks, with viewing holes lining the entire wall, the structure seemed almost too simple in today’s complex understanding of war and defence. But then you put on the perspective of more than 200 years ago, and it seems that the location was indeed perfect for the purpose.
With every dynasty’s uprise, there is growth and also destruction of legacies. Legend has it that the rocks used to build this watchtower could have come from places of worship though no one knows for sure.
There were a few ships next to the river and we decided to go and take a look. It was a ship-building yard. It took them three months of hard work to make just one ship and then she took off, to prove herself worthy of the toil.
I watched the imposing Vajralaxmi enter the water for the first time in awe. Though there were some other ships too that looked gorgeous. Funnily these ships looked battle weary even though they were all brand new. These were meant to serve as fishing trawlers and were not built to be gleaming and swanky.
I left Sultan Battery and made my way to the College Chapel. Again, no one knew where it was, and even Google seemed flummoxed this time.
It took me around 20 minutes to find a person who could give me directions. Important note to self: don’t call a chapel just a ‘chapel’, when it’s called ‘College Chapel’.
I got to go on a lovely personal tour courtesy the person-in-charge. The entire place is painted beautifully, and when I say entire… I mean every inch! What looks like marble at first glance is not, it’s art. What seems like a painting on a curtain and hanging on the wall, is also a painting. The illusions go on and on.
It was time for lunch and stomachs were grumbling all around. And so the next destination was Ideal Cafe! The food was okay, nothing exceptional but it was definitely the coolest restaurant in Mangalore and everyone with some time to spare seemed to be there.
The filter coffee that everyone praised was not that great. It had a rough, burnt taste with some of the coffee residue at the base. They say that’s how Turkish coffee tastes, so there might be some who like it.
But if you are someone with a sweet tooth, skip a meal to just have ice-cream at Ideal Café. It was simply fabulous.
The last stop in Mangalore was the Mangaladevi temple. This is the temple that Mangalore is named after, so it had to be seen. A large temple, it was quiet and peaceful all the more as it was shut for the afternoon. We weren’t allowed inside as the Gods were sleeping and so we were asked not to disturb them.
Mangalore was quaint. A neat and clean city that still seems enveloped in the past and happily so, given the rapidly changing face of every city in the country. I wouldn’t say it surprised me, but it didn’t disappoint. It was small, roads were relatively peaceful and the streets were still lined with houses exuding old-world charm.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Mangalore / by Bhavani Blogs / August 21st, 2014
Open your eyes to alternative, energy-efficient technologies
It could be anyone who could be part of this training. From farmers of Anekal wishing to build their own home, to a mason from Uttarakhand or an IT professional trying to understand the effectiveness of using mud.
Starting on Thursday, Gramavidya will conduct a three-day training programme on ‘Alternative and energy-efficient building technologies’ at the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Koushalya Shaale, Kengeri.
“A cross-section of those interested gather from across the country for the sessions — consisting of lectures, audiovisual presentations, hands-on training and interactive open-house discussions,” says M.R. Yogananda, who has a doctorate in Civil Engineering from IISc., who spearheads the training. Gramavidya, a non-profit society, promoted by a group of professionals and academicians, disseminates building technologies for sustainable livelihoods. The experts are pioneers in construction methods, who have popularised cost-effective technology throughout the country in renowned constructions like the Auroville.
“We need to disseminate as much information as possible. After all, even professionals who pass out of engineering colleges seem to be uninformed about constructions that are quake-resistant. Energy-intensive beam and column structures are not everything. Interactive sessions can re-invent forgotten vernacular approaches,” says Mr. Yogananda, who is also the consulting engineer of Mrinmayee, offering research and lab-testing facilities for stabilised mud-blocks.
In the mid-1980’s Mr. Yogananda’s house in Jayanagar, built with stabilised mud blocks, became a curious model for people to “wait and test it out in all seasons” as the fear of going in for mud construction was mocked at. No sooner, the house was projected as India’s example of mud revival at the Festival of France in HUDCO’s national seminar. “My house is nearly 30-years-old now, and can go on for generations with its earthy sheen,” says Mr. Yogananda.
For details, 26582970 / 94489 26442 / gramavidya@gmail.com
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Ranjani Govind / Bangalore – August 21st, 2014
As part of ‘Anantha Yatre’ to commemorate the International Day of World Indigenous People, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) has organised a four-day cultural programme presented by Adivasis from various parts of the country which commenced at the Platinum Jubilee Hall at JK Grounds here yesterday.
Tribal artistes from 11 States had converged to exhibit their talents in a true cultural exchange programme.
The programme began with ‘Pooja Kunita’ presented by Krishnegowda and troupe from Pandavapura with excellent synchronisation to the beating of percussion instruments.
Naga tribe from Nagaland presented ‘War Dance’ with the warriors celebrating the victory which was eye-catching.
Tribals from Telangana presented a traditional ‘Gousadi’ dance in special costumes.
Young adivasis from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh presented ‘Thogal Jagoy’ and ‘Siyomi’ dances respectively which captivated the audience.
It was a unique programme where the audience had the opportunity to enjoy a cultural extravaganza from across the country.
The cultural programmes by the tribal and folk artistes of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and North Eastern States will be held everyday from 6 pm onwards at MMCAA auditorium in J.K. Grounds till Aug. 13.
Also, the workshop- cum-Demonstration on Tribal/Folk paintings of India that commenced on Aug. 9 at IGRMS, Southern Regional Centre (SRC), Wellington House on Irwin Road in city, will be held everyday between 10 am and 5.30 pm till Aug. 13.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 11th, 2014
It’s one thing to recall sacrifices of freedom fighters on the Independence Day, but another thing to remember martyrs on other days and maintain their memorials.
Standing testimony to such neglect is a martyrs’ memorial in the heart of the city. Worse, not much is known about the four martyrs named on the plaque.
The 10-foot-tall stone plaque has been relegated to the backyard of the Shani temple at Mysore Bank Circle – the area which witnessed several flashpoints between freedom fighters and police at the height of the Quit India Movement in August 1942.
Scores of people are suspected to have died in confrontations in the area where the Mysore Bank Circle stands now. The martyrs included Shamanna Bete Rangappa, G V Thirumalaiah, Prahlad Shetty and Gundappa, all said to be students of Central College.
Their memory remained buried till 1972, the silver jubilee of Independence, when the central government decided to build a memorial at the Mysore Bank Circle where the quartet breathed their last. A plaque with their names inscribed on it was installed.
As years went by, the memorial was neglected. Road and other infrastructure development in the area shrunk the space for the memorial. Slowly, it got lost in the backyard of the temple.
On the recent Martyrs’ Day, August 9, members of Rashtra Gaurava Samrakshana Parishat, a social service NGO which stumbled upon the memorial recently, cleared the weed and other waste materials from there.
On Friday, a few local youngsters washed the memorial, decorated the place with tricolour and celebrated the Independence Day there.
“It is said these four youths were students of nearby Central college and fell to police bullets within meters of where the memorial is now located,” said T N Ramakrishna, president of the Parishat.
“There is no effort whatsoever, either from the Central government or BBMP, to protect what they call is a national monument. We want the authorities to restore the memorial to its original status. The authorities should make the memorial visible from all sides and also make suitable lighting arrangements,” he added.
Another Parishat member alleged that the space around the memorial has shrunk by about 15 feet due to encroachment. “It was in good shape till 2006-07 with a compound wall around. Later, due to encroachment and weeds, the plaque virtually invisible,” he added.
The Parishat said it would wait till October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) to see if any effort is made to restore the memorial. “If nothing comes out, we will approach the mayor and the Kannada and culture department. If nothing positive happens, we will have to approach the court,” said Ramakrishna.
Forgotten heroes
Not much is known about the four martyrs: who they were and when exactly they fell to British bullets.
SK Aruni, deputy director, Indian Council of Historical Research, said there were many points of conflagration in the Mysore Bank Circle area during the freedom struggle. Police action against freedom fighters was severe on August 16, 17 and 18 of 1942, he added.
On August 16, a youth named Thimmanna Dasa was killed. The next day, the situation worsened. A huge crowd of 2,000 people set on fire a post office at Aralipete, near Kengeri Gate. Nine people were killed in police firing, but only six were identified: Thippaiah, Appaiah, AR Srinivasan, Narasimhachar, Subash Singh Ram Singh and Ponnaswamy.
On August 18, two of the youths mentioned in the plaque – Shamanna Bete Rangappa and G V Thirumalaiah – were killed in police action, Aruni said.
“British rulers always gave lower numbers than the actual toll to downplay the scale of the struggle,” he pointed out.
Freedom fighter HS Doreswamy said the memorial, which is inside the compound of a temple, should be made an independent structure. “Of the four people mentioned in the plaque, Gundappa was gunned down by an IG called Hamilton during a demonstration. Prahlad Shetty had been incarcerated and died in Central Jail,” he added.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore / TNN / August 16th, 2014
Mysore is famous for Palaces. In fact it is famous all over the world as a city of palaces because it was ruled by the Maharajas for the past five hundred years, until it was merged with the Indian Republic. The institution of the Maharajas has practically become extinct and those that survived could not maintain themselves in royal splendour for lack of resources. Even during the days of the British rule in India, the Maharajas of Mysore were recognised as such and British gave them special respect. Even Mahatma Gandhiji had openly praised the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and called him ‘Rajarshi’ (saintly King). All these were responsible for the construction of palaces in Mysore. In fact, the tourists flock our city and their main agenda is to visit Mysore Palace. Two years ago there was a news item according to which the number of visitors to Mysore Palace outnumbered the visitors to the Taj Mahal. In this connection we should congratulate the Mysore Palace Board authorities in general and
its Deputy Director T.S. Subrahmanya who have been keeping the palace in an immaculate manner and providing good amenities to the tourists. These comments apply to smaller palaces like Jaganmohan Palace and Lalitha Mahal Palace.
Jaganmohan Palace as its name itself signifies is an elegant and majestic building in Mysore. It was originally built during the rule of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, sometime in 1860. When there was an accidental fire at Mysore Palace, this was used as a Palace by the Maharaja, and all important functions took place here. It also served as a Durbar hall till the completion of the Palace in 1910. Installation of His Highness the Maharaja took place here and it was graced by Lord Curzon, the Governor General and Viceroy of India.
Later in 1900, a spacious and ornamental Pavilion was added to the then existing Jaganmohan Palace. It was specially designed for the invitees to witness the marriages and birthdays. Basically, it has a long hall and an elevated platform. The long hall has two balconies on both sides so that the royal ladies could watch the functions. Thus, most important family functions of the Maharaja took place here. Mysore Representative Assembly also met here. Mysore University Convocations also took place here for some years. I remember my uncle going to the Jaganmohan Palace for taking his degree at the convocation, almost 70 years ago. Maharaja who was the Chancellor of the University used to go to the Jaganmohan Palace in a ceremonial procession and people used to watch the procession, standing on both sides of the road.
In course of time, when the Mysore Palace became the place of residence of royalty, Jaganmohan Palace lost its royal touch. It was converted into an art gallery. The three-storeyed structure behind the main hall is a fine repository of paintings, sculptures, musical instruments and other artefacts connected with the Mysore Royal family. The real attraction is the painting section. These excellent and rare paintings include those of Raja Ravivarma, Ramavarma and also some European artists. The painting of great artist Roerich is also available here. Particularly, interesting paintings are those giving the genealogy of the Mysore Maharajas. Thus, Jaganmohan Palace is a must for all visitors to Mysore.
The greatest attraction of the Jaganmohan Palace is its frontal façade, which is majestic befitting a royal structure. Its stucco ornamentation is excellent specimen of stucco art of the period, which has practically become extinct. The broad doors in keeping with the tall façade adds majesty to the frontal portion. The stucco domes and the minarets at the four corners are highly pleasing. The central part has a vimana-like tower with minarets culminating in a broad Kalasha. The chaitya-like niches at the minarets are very elegant. In keeping with the beauty of a huge building, a vast enclosure with a garden and shady trees add gorgeousness to the Palace. In recent years this has become a great tourist attraction. Now-a-days, most of the important functions, music, drama and even religious discourses take place here. I vividly remember that Mysore Kendra of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan had arranged discourses on Ramayana and Mahabharata by Mathoor Krishnamurthy at this Palace for months together. T
hus, the excellent ambience of this palace makes it suitable for conducting important cultural events here. The Maharajas are gone but their creations remain forever.
Lalitha Mahal Palace is one of the most beautiful and magnificent heritage buildings not only in Mysore but in entire Karnataka. Mysore being a princely State under the British, many distinguished foreign dignitaries used to visit Mysore and stay in Mysore Palace itself. Though it was a palace, it was not suitable for the stay of foreign visitors because of the entirely ancient Indian atmosphere and conveniences such as toilet, bathrooms, etc. This defect was realised by the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and he thought of building a Palace exclusively for foreign guests where they would be more comfortable and at home. Naturally, he thought of an European classical building model rather than a Hindu Palace of traditional type.
Immediately, the Maharaja commissioned a famous foreign architect by name E.W. Fritchley. He selected a spacious site near the foot of the Chamundi hill and the building was completed in 1931, under the close supervision of Maharaja himself, at a cost of Rs. 13 lakh.
This building is a majestic two-storeyed magnificent structure built in European style with elements of Roman, Greek, Gothic, Renaissance, Italian, Hindu and Sarcenic styles. Both floors have twin ionic columns, eight on either side of the main entrance which give the advantage of height. The upper portion is specially noteworthy. It has two-tier, four domes on all the four corners and one at the middle. However, the most beautiful is the central one which has three tiers and is above the entrance of the building. Actually, it is at a great height and dominates the entire area including the elevation. The smaller minaret-like domes at the peripheries add special elegance to the top of the building. The portico in the centre of the building which is surrounded by pillars gives a unique experience to a visitor when he is received there.
Though planned by a foreigner, the craftsmen were all local people who were experts in stone, stucco, marble and wood work. This is evident from the richly laid decorative motifs on walls and ceilings. The imported tiles and fixtures specially brought from England add a foreign touch. As a tourist exclaimed, the fixtures themselves could cost a fortune.
As soon as one enters into the interior of the building, Italian marble balustraded staircase welcomes the visitor. It branches off to right and left to reach the first floor. Thus, from top to bottom and from one end to another, it is an epitome of royalty. Even foreign guests are amazed at this dream-like beauty. Before closing this, I should share with my readers, the joy I had when I had the good fortune of staying here. It was some years ago when a seminar took place in Mysore and I was one of the speakers on epigraphy in that seminar. All the participants were accommodated at Lalitha Mahal and I was also given a suite. I stayed in the hotel for three days. More than the items of food, one would be enchanted by the silver plates, cups and saucers, spoons and the royal furniture and above all the royal ambience. That is the charm of Lalitha Mahal. Whenever, I delivered a lecture to foreign tourists, I used to mention that it was the creation of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and the tourists would admire him for his forethought.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / August 10th, 2014
Seen in the picture (from left) are: Michael N. Joyner- Director of Positive Action, VIIV Healthcare, Karl Krupp- Programme Director of PHRII and Dominic Kemps- Director of VIIV Healthcare’s Positive Action Programme during the conference held at Melbourne in Australia recently.
Mysore :
City based NGO Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII) of India at Yadavagiri in city has bagged an award at the AIDS 2014 conference held at Melbourne in Australia recently.
The award was announced at the conference organised by The Positive Action for Children Fund in association with the International AIDS Society and MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
PHRII had participated in the ‘Every Footstep Counts’ competition in which more than 40 organisations working in the field of HIV/AIDS across the globe had participated.
NGOs and community groups were invited to produce a film, documenting their works on the prevention of transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 10th, 2014
The must visit tourist destination cries for restoration
by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers
Following the list of the heritage sites in Mysore city is the Majestic Devaraja Market, a product of visionary Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Devaraja Market popularly known ‘Dodda Market’ in Mysore was constructed in the year 1900. Though, the construction was started in the year 1900, it was developed stage by stage over the years.
The market was named after the late Devaraja, one among the 25 Kings of Mysore, who was instrumental in constructing steps to the Chamundi Hills and also installation of Nandi Statue atop the hill. Devaraja Market has been built using Wattle (a composite building material used for making walls with wood and mud) and each of the walls at the market is of 13 inches. There are around 700 to 800 shops in the market which have been a major source of income to vendors. It has four entrance points two on the Sayyaji Rao Road, one each from Dhanvanthri Road and opposite to Dufferin Clock Tower.
It is also said that a small market was functioning at place during the rule of Tippu Sultan which was later developed into a market. Devaraja Market, which is now around 114 years old, is a place where all kinds of items are sold.
The vision of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar was such that the market was divided into various divisions with separate sections for selling flowers, vegetables, fruits, coconut, puja materials, Onion and Potato, Jaggery, Puffed Rice and others. This was one of the unique markets in the then Mysore State.
According to historians, the first class of 1st batch of Mysore Medical College (MMC) was held at Devaraja Market premises. The building also housed Devaraja Police Station and Railway Office of Mysore State. At the time when Sir Mirza Ismail was the Dewan of Mysore, Devaraja Market hosted annual fair which was held continuously for 30 years.
Unfortunately, the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) has failed to maintain the heritage structure which has contributed for the dilapidation of the building. There was a major fire accident in 2005 which ravaged 18 shops. The vendors have been requesting the authorities to take up repair works as they fear that the ancient structure might collapse like it happened with Lansdowne Building.
Though the authorities have been informing about the plan to restore Devaraja Market, nothing has been executed so far. There have been several inspections made by officials but no solid solution yet.
Now, after several agitations and discussions, Rs. 10 cr has been allotted for restoration of Devaraja Market in CM’s special grant of Rs. 100 cr to Mysore, said former Deputy Mayor and Area Corporator M.J. Ravikumar, speaking to Star of Mysore.
He said that the market will have all modern facilities and would be restored keeping the heritage structure in mind. “Heritage Street Lamps will be installed at various places in the market to give it a heritage look. This apart, the vendors at the market will be re-allotted their shops after the renovation works are completed,” he said.
According to sources, the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) has sent a detailed project report on the restoration of the Devaraja Market to the State Government which has been cleared.
Sources added that the works would be taken up only after Dasara festivities and would be completed as soon as possible. With the Devaraja Market crying to be restored, the officials need to speed up the process to retain the heritage structure.
Boti Bazaar: There have been constant complaints about garbage being dumped near the Devaraja Market by the meat vendors of ‘Boti Bazaar,’ which is located adjacent to the main Devaraja Market. Tonnes of meat is sold every day in the market, but steps have not been taken to dispose the waste scientifically.
For people commuting on the road, it has become difficult as the waste is dumped on the roadside. Though, the MCC has been clearing the waste on a daily basis, much more has to be done to provide healthy and hygienic environment around the market.
There are around 100 meat stalls in the newly constructed meat market, but the authorities have not taken measures to prevent the meat being exposed to street dogs. It is also a favourite place for the rodents which are seen moving around freely inside the market.
The market is a source of daily bread to around 150 people who work in the meat market. Earlier, these shops were functioning outside the newly-constructed market, as the MCC has vacated them after having promised to construct a new market area. Few of the vendors had also filed a case against the Mysore City Corporation against allotment of shops through tender process.
The new meat market is constructed at a cost of Rs. 1 crore and was inaugurated on April, 2012. With meat vendors not agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Mysore City Corporation, the newly-constructed building had been laying vacant since one year.
It was only recently that the problems related to the allotment of the shops had been settled and vendors decided to shift inside the new meat market. But, still there are a few vendors who continue to operate outside the market.
Market needs to be upgraded and most importantly there is a need for the City Corporation to initiate measures for maintaining hygienic environment in and around the market
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 09th, 2014
