Your sight seeing will be incomplete without a tour of the Vidhana Soudha.This 120 year old majestic structure built of granite and porphyry, accommodates the Secretariat and the State Legislature of Karnataka. The Vidhan Soudha was constructed in 1956 after the transfer of power from the ruling Wodeyar dynasty to the central government, it was designed by Kengal Hanumanthiah, the then chief minister, who intended it to "reflect the power and dignity of the people". The Vidhana Soudha took fours years (1952-1956) to complete. Some 5000 labourers, besides 1500 chiselers, masons and wood-carvers, were employed for the project. The outcome of this venture was the largest legislature-cum-secretariat structure with intricate stone-craftsmanship and wood-carvings that no other state in the country could match.
If the Mysore Palace defined the royal grandeur of the state, Hanumanthiah succeeded in his intention to showcase Vidhana Soudha as the power and prestige of the common man. Sometimes popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of South India', this magnificent building consists of four grand floors and also one floor in the basement. Lavishly covering an area of 700 by 350 feet and is the largest legislative building in India. A 20-m dome caps the building, but is overshadowed by the four-headed Ashokan lion, symbol of thr Indian state. With Rajasthani jharokhas, Indo-Saracenic pillars and other decorative elements, the Vidhana Soudha exemplifies the Neo-Dravidian style of post-Independence
Bangalore. The intricate lotus and floral designs were created by highly skilled chisellers from Sorabha and Sagara districts. Working independently, they ensured none of the floral designs were alike. While the ‘
gopurams’ or domes were temple-inspired, the ‘
jharokas’ or balconies are strikingly Rajasthani.The woodwork inside is remarkable, especially the sandalwood door to the Cabinet Room, and the Speaker's Chair made of Rosewood from Mysore. The building is a sight that captivates the human eye, on Sunday evenings, when it bathes in light.
Related Links:
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links