Bangalore’s past meets the present: Century-old architecture marvels which are still in public use

9 years ago

The high rises in the IT city are increasing by the day – from huge IT complexes, luxurious apartments to malls. Amidst all this are some hidden architecture marvels, some a few centuries old. The best part – they are still functional!

Seshadri Memorial library

Few know that the red building with a rose garden in front is one of Bangalore’s oldest libraries. Situated in Cubbon Park, the building was established in 1915. With a huge daily footfall, visitors include administrative officers, research scholars, and those preparing of competitive civic exams. In 2000, the library was awarded the Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation Award for the best state central library in India. With a treasure of over 2.5 lakh books, including rare volumes, and a dedicate Braille section, it’s a place that not only book lovers but residents of the city should not miss.

Attara Kacheri (The High Court of Karnataka)

Situated opposite the state legislature, Vidhana Soudha, this Graeco-Roman styled architecture was built in 1868. From 1868 to 1956, it housed the public offices (Secretariat of the Government of Karnataka). However, it functions as the Karnataka High Court. A proposal to demolish this heritage architecture was made in 1982, however, a public interest litigation, foiled that bid. (Thank God for that!)

Cantonment Railway Station

This railway station has colonial history. Bangalore Mail, the city’s first train, chugged out of this station to Jolarpettai in 1864. It covered a distance of nearly 150 kms. It was situated in the 13- square mile area which served as a military cantonment for the British Raj. Even today, the railway station situated in the modern day Vasanth Nagar, is among the major railway station of the city. The arc structures remind of a bygone era.

State Archeological Museum

Built in 1876, The Archeological Museum, is located within the Cubbon park premises today. However, the museum was first established at the Cantonment’s jail building and functioned there until 1878. The museum houses antiquities of Mohenjo-Daro period and even ancient coins and stone inscriptions which are said to be 5,000 years old. It is one of the oldest museums of India. On a visit to the museum, you can also see the Halmidi inscription, one of the earliest Kannada inscription.

Hard Rock Café

In the heart of Bangalore and amidst the city’s most happening street, a building stands out with its vintage stone outlook. Now, known as Hard Rock Café, a branch of the famous international chain of restaurants, was once a British Book Society. Built in 1912, it was here that the Bangalore Tract and Book Society, circulated Christian tracts and school books, produced bibles and even the first Kannada bible. The Hard Rock Café has ensured that the old building was not remodeled or did not change the classic old look of the building.

National Gallery of Modern Art

The heritage Manikyavelu Mansion was renovated to house the National Gallery of Modern Art. An additional 1,260 square meter extension was added to mansion. Nearly a century old, the mansion once belonged to Mysore royal family and later owned by Raja Manikyavelu Mudaliar, a mine owner. The Government of Karnataka took over the building in 1960s and passed it on to the Ministry of Culture in 1989 with a view to set up a modern art museum in Bangalore. Many old trees breathe in its sprawling 3.5 area campus. Take the ‘tree map’ booklet available at the gallery and explore the greenery as you enjoy the displays of famous works of Raja Ravi Verma, Ravindranath Tagore and other renowned artists.

Image courtesy: irishfilmfestivalofindia

Indian Institute of Science

India’s finest institution, which contributed immensely especially in the field of advanced computing, space and nuclear technologies, was established in 1899 with support from Jamshedji Tata and the then Maharaja of Mysore. The classical-styled architecture of the main building functions as the administrative office and the faculty hall. Many great architects have designing the original building and even much later. In fact, the UN awardee, Otto Königsberger, designed the buildings for metallurgy and aerospace departments.

Apart from these, there are also beautiful temples, churches, forts, and palaces which many us have visited and have been awestruck at its beauty. Well deserves a different story, all together.