Category Archives: Historical Links, Pre-Independence

When Gandhi came to Badanavalu …

April 10, 2015Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

The village in Mysuru district will host National Convention for Sustainable Living on April 19.

The first “star” to arrive at Badanavalu village in Mysuru district, once a prominent centre for khadi and village industries, was Mahatma Gandhi, back in 1932.

Theatre personality Prasanna and people from various walks of life have joined hands to revive Badanavalu Khadi and Gramodyog Centre which is in a shambles, and (right) Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to the village in 1932.

He was pleasantly surprised by the success of the khadi centre here run on a 7.5-acre campus. Badanavalu Khadi and Gramodyog Centre was established in 1927 with only four Dalit women, with the intention to uplift the economy of Dalits. Their number increased gradually and the centre introduced other trades. More than 300 women were working during its heydays.

Over a period of time, however, the place saw a decline, with work sheds falling into disuse.

Now, led by theatre personality Prasanna, a group of volunteers have been living in the village and rebuilding the sheds besides holding meetings, workshops, street performances, and visual art campaigns since March 21.

Six padayatras will begin on April 12 from various parts of the State and culminate at Badanavalu for the National Convention for Sustainable Living on April 19. According to Mr. Prasanna, panchayats will be held on different aspects of sustainability throughout that day and there will be exhibitions, sale, demonstrations and prayer meetings at the convention.

Artistes, activists and leaders of various people’s movements are now camping with Mr. Prasanna and joining their hands in temporarily resurrecting the centre which is in a shambles.

“We don’t demand anything from the government, as successive governments have failed in sustainable development. Equally blaming the people for the situation, we want to create awareness among them on the need for sustainable development,” Mr. Prasanna said.

The plan is to expand the movement across the country, using Badanavalu as a symbol. Redesigning Badanavalu, without harming the original design of the existing structure, and making the village a “pilgrimage place” for people who believe in sustainable living were all part of the plan, he explained.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Muralidhara Khajane / Bengaluru – April 10th, 2015

India and US share a common vision of peaceful and stable world : Richard Verma

April 7, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

US Ambassador to India inaugurates renovated ORI building

Mysuru :

US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma inaugurated the renovated building of the Oriental Research Institute (ORI) here yesterday. The renovation was funded by the US Consulate, which had donated $50,000 in the year 2012.

Speaking on the occasion, Verma said that both India and the United States have entered into a ‘strategic plus’ phase in their relationship, sharing a common vision of a peaceful, prosperous and stable world. He further stated that the partnership is bolstered by people-to-people ties between the two nations and said, “How we work together to achieve a common vision defines our strategic plus partnership, be it with regard to economic and trade relations, energy, space, climate change, science and technology etc.”

The US Ambassador referred to the ancient Indian treatise of Arthashastra by Chanakya and said that Chanakya had told that a ‘true friend’ in international affairs was someone who shared common objectives and added that India and the US share democratic values and can be called ‘true friends,’ if they accept the wisdom of Chanakya.

Speaking at the programme, Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore (UoM), Prof. K.S. Rangappa requested Verma to contribute $2,00,000 dollars for the restoration of various heritage buildings of the University.

The ORI now houses more than 30,000 paper and palm-leaf manuscripts and over 45,000 rare books. The items were put on display for the Ambassador including a rare manuscript of Chanakya’s Arthashastra, transliterated versions of the religious work commissioned by the then Maharaja of Mysuru, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and rare palm-leaf manuscripts with treatise on astronomy, medicine and mythology.

Looking at the manuscripts, Verma said that he was thrilled to see the only copy of the Arthashastra in Mysuru.

Registrar of UoM Prof. C. Basavaraju and Director of ORI Dr. H.P. Devaki were present during the VIP’s visit.

Richard’s Mysuru Connection

It might be surprising to know that the US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma has a closer connection with Mysuru than we had thought.

Richard’s sister Roma Murthy is married to Bala Murthy from Mysuru. Bala Murthy’s father late N. Narasimha Murthy was the former Principal of National Institute of Engineering (NIE).

Speaking after the inauguration of the renovated ORI building, Verma said that it was a great honour to be in the city where he was able to meet some of his family members. He recalled that his father, who went to the US to pursue a Master’s degree in English Literature, had a close interaction with scholars of the Department of English, UoM.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Wednesday – April 01st, 2015

US Envoy awestruck by Palace

April 7, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Uncategorized, World Opinionadmin

Mysuru :

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, who arrived in city yesterday to inaugurate the renovated building of Oriental Research Institute (ORI), visited the Amba Vilas Palace, popularly known as Mysore Palace, in city this morning.

On his arrival, he visited the residence of late Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar to meet Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and had a brief chat over a cup of tea.

Later, Richard Verma visited the Private Durbar Hall, ornate Kalyana Mantap and other prominent sections inside the Mysore Palace.

He expressed his happiness over the maintenance of the Mysore Palace, the gold leafing works and the recently introduced Braille book facility.

Verma told the Palace Board officials accompanying him that he would spend more time at the Palace during his next visit to Mysuru.

Earlier, Mysore Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya welcomed Richard Verma with the traditional Mysuru Peta and a shawl.

During his Palace visit, Richard was accompanied by his brother-in-law Bala Murthy, President, i4 Now Solutions, USA and Co-ordinator Ariel H. Pollock.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Wednesday – April 01st, 2015

Needed: Intelligent design solutions

April 2, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Traveladmin

by Naresh V Narasimhan

Better connectivity and space utilization can make Church Street a great urban hangout

Church Street is perhaps one of the most well-connected and accessible roads in Bengaluru. In fact, its name has been derived from the fact that it used to lead directly to St Mark’s Church, which was also visible while walking on the street. This trivia, however, alludes to a time when buildings were much smaller and before the strong axis connecting the street and the church was lost due to replanning. Today’s Church Street is replete with businesses, restaurants, pubs and arcades, and retains most of its road connections.Mahatma Gandhi Road, St Marks Road, Museum Road and Brigade Road surround and flow into this modest street that ensures a continuous flow of people passing by . If one were to look at high streets or shopping streets around the world, one would encounter `accessibility’ as the overriding factor -accessibility with respect to their space utilization and how well connected they are to the surroundings.
An analysis of high streets in London (as per the land use pattern) by Space Syntax would reveal that 80% of retailers have located themselves on the 20% most spatially accessible streets. This revelation seems to be a no-brainer as shops cater to locations frequented by people. The literal meaning of the Greek word Agora is a “gathering place” or an “assembly”. This also highlights the twin function of the well-connected marketplace, as both a po itical and commercial space. The Italian Piazzas are commonly found at the meeting of two or more streets. Several businesses and small shops are located within the Piazzas, which form the leitmotif for the traditional Italian city. The modern shopping street, traditional Agora and Piazza are perfect examples of what a good urban space is like when integrated into its urban setting.Such spaces create an ecosystem that thrives on their diversity.What makes Church Street so special is that it shares characteristics of all three archetypes of a great public space.

Sensitive placemaking through intelligent urban design solutions has given New York its Highline project, Seoul its Cheonggyecheon and Japan its Isezakicho of Yokohama. Why not start with Church Street for Bengaluru? Discontinuing street parking will do its bit to encourage public transport and make room for pedestrians on the footpath. Regulating food and garbage truck movement will ensure pedestrians don’t have to hold their breath while walking around. Street furniture will definitely be convenient for those who shop till they drop. Putting dustbins and planters in place will ensure a clean and green street.

While these solutions may improve the image of Church Street, they fail to address more serious underlying issues. The need of the hour is to call on experts and placemakers who understand the need to relay the underground sewage system in tandem with the existing network.

(The writer is an architect)

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by Naresh V. Narasimhan / April 02nd, 2015

No monkeying around with history

March 30, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Records, All, Traveladmin

The historical banyan tree inside the Bidar fort.

Campaign by Team Yuva saves a huge old banyan tree from the axe at Bidar fort

Campaigns to save trees are aplenty, but the one taken up by a group of youngsters in Bidar is unique because it is linked to history and a particularly quirky detail of history at that. At the centre of a campaign by Team Yuva is a banyan tree inside the Bidar fort, in front of the Rangeen Mahal. The Archaeological Survey of India (AIS) is rethinking its proposal to cut the tree thanks to this campaign.

The historical importance of the tree dates back to the time of Nawab Nasir Ud Daula Bahadur, the Governor of Bidar appointed by the Hyderabad Nizam. He had created a “department of monkeys” and appointed “monkey inspectors” (Daroga-E-Bandaran). They were supposed to keep a count of the langurs and feed them. Every day at noon, the guards fed the monkeys rotis, fruits and jaggery. This unusual ritual often happened under this tree, says Ghulam Yazdani in the book ‘Bidar: Its History and Monuments’.

The grants given by the Nizam for this purpose, started in early 19th century, continued till Independence.

“Losing the tree is like losing a part of our heritage. We have petitioned the State government, district administration and the ASI,” said Vinay Malge, secretary of Team Yuva. The team has asked ASI to include the tree in their landscaping plans.

Mouneshwar Kuruvatti, Conservation Assistant of ASI at Bidar, said they had asked the Forest Department to assess the health of the tree as it was old and could fall on tourists. “We will take steps to preserve the tree, after consultation,” he said.

Deputy Conservator of Forests S. Dhananjay said the ASI had earlier submitted a requisition to cut down the tree.

“However, we will assess the condition of the tree to see if it poses danger to passersby or nearby buildings. If it can be saved by pruning or by supporting, we will take those steps,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by Rishikesh Bahadur Desai / Bidar – March 30th, 2015

Karnataka History Congress at Mangalore University from March 26

March 27, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independenceadmin

MANGALURU: Department of History of Mangalore University will host the 24th session of Karnataka History Congress from March 26 to 28. Upinder Singh, professor of University of Delhi and well-known historian on ancient and early medieval India will inaugurate the History Congress and deliver key note address at Mangala Auditorium in the campus. Upinder, daughter of former PM Manmohan Singh is an authority on ancient and medieval India.

G Ramarathan, former professor of History, Karnataka State Open University will take over as the new general president of the KHC and present his general president’s address. B N Naidu, former professor of history of Bangalore University and outgoing general president of KHC and R Rajanna, professor of history, University of Mysore and president of the KHC will be the guests of honour. K Byrappa, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University will preside.

About 300 delegates are participating in this session. Mega magic star Kuddroli Ganesh and troupe will present ‘Vismaya Jadoo’ as part of cultural programme on March 26. Karnataka History Congress is an academic organization of historians, teachers and research scholars of history and it has more than 600 members. Ever since its inception, it has been playing an important role in constructing the history of the land and people of Karnataka, a university release states.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangaluru / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / March 24th, 2015

Blast from the past

March 27, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

He lives in a quaint mansion inherited from his father. But it is not just the mansion that he inherited. He has gone a step forward and acquired his father’s passion too. That is the passion for vintage cars.

Director of Advaith Hyundai, SVS Subramanya Gupta, inherited this interest from his father SV Sreenivasa Setty, who also had a great liking for cars. This passion is alive in Subramanya Gupta who is the proud owner of exotic vintage machines.

Ford Prefect, Humber Super Snipe, Adler, Austin, Citroen, Morris Mini Cooper, and the more giant Ford Grain Truck… the list of his collections go on. A true follower of the phrase ‘old is gold’, he has been successful in preserving them. “Owning and maintaining these old cars is a hobby and a passion,” he says.

Subramanya Gupta says his father, who helped the poor during World War II, was also an affluent person who had the warmth for luxury. “My father was very fond of cars and he owned four cars which were the best imported vintage cars during that time (1942). His cars were spick and span. I did not inherit those cars as I was just seven years old when he passed on. But the fervour for these cars is a genetic disposition and this is the root of my hobby,” says Subramanya.

An impassioned lover of cars, he agrees that his passion is an expensive affair. “I was fond of cars from when I was a boy. But it turned into a passionate collection after I started making money.” It was “somewhere around 1992-93” that he had his first pride possession, which was the Ford Prefect bought from a relative. The next in line was the stylish Humber Super Snipe that was originally owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The mesmerising beauty and comfort of these cars motivated him to include more to his collections resulting in him owning many more like the Mercedes Ponton, Ford Model AA, Jaguar, Chevrolet Fleetmaster. The Fleetmaster won the ‘Indian Category Award’ at the Cartier Heritage Show in Mumbai. “The Humber Super Snipe owned by the Nizam was in a bad condition. There was a restoration process that took place after which it is in a perfect running condition,” he informs.

A perfectionist, he never fails to keep these cars spotless. A reckoned name in the automobile industry, he has dedicated technicians — Sirajuddin and Suri — who he says “give their heart and soul to restore these cars”.

“I want all my cars to be in mint condition. These cars were meant to be luxurious and I like to maintain that luxury in them,” he adds. An admirer of the technology of these grand-old machines, he is not a big fan of the attention he gets while driving them. He says, “We take these cars on a drive where there is not much crowd as I do not like the attention. We load the car on a flood-bed truck, take them out of the City and then enjoy the drive.” This passion of his is sure to continue as his son Agastya Gupta knows all about these antique automobiles. “I am trying to maintain whatever my family had interest in and the journey has been going on. My father owned a vintage Austin and I am looking forward to adding this to my collection,” wraps up Subramanya.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Prajna GR, Bengaluru / DHNS – March 24th, 2015

A record of time past

March 27, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independenceadmin

Antique beauty

At a time when we are transitioning from the analogue to a digital medium, preserving what is left of the old-world charm is of utmost importance to some. In such an attempt, Monica Rajan, a budding entrepreneur, recently launched ‘Samaya’, a start-up that looks to retain the beauty of vinyl records by adding a hint of modern to it.

Monica says she has always been enchanted with vinyl records. “My dad had around 30 to 40 of them just lying around. They looked so pretty but I didn’t know what to do with them. Last December, I visited Manchester where I saw a clock made from a vinyl record and that gave me the idea for ‘Samaya’. However, it was a simple round one with numbers and the hands.” When it came to designing her clocks, she made them more elaborate as she had access to all the right machines.

“After I finished my MBA, I joined my father’s business, a manufacturing unit, but that wasn’t my passion. I have always wanted to do something creative. I initially didn’t know what to do with the old records until my visit to Manchester turned things around and the tools were at my disposal.” She designs and cuts vinyl records into various shapes and sizes, be it music bands, zodiac signs, scenes from popular television shows or movies.

While most people don’t use clocks anymore, Monica thinks they still have their charm. “Youngsters spend so much MONEY on clothes, jewellery and partying these days… these are things that have never appealed to me, but the clock did.”

She adds that it also appeals to people of a slightly older age group. “My father is big art connoisseur and he is my biggest critic. He needs everything to be perfect and my designs never are but even he liked my idea.”

How does she design the clocks? “I’ve grown up listening to bands like ‘Guns N’ Roses’, ‘The Beatles’, ‘Nirvana’ and ‘Bon Jovie’ so I know their logo, how the members look and the songs feel. I surf the internet for the correct font and work on Corel Draw or Photoshop.”

She has also designed a ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and Bengaluru clock. “The most popular clock I’ve made so far has been a clock on Bengaluru, which has the Vidhana Soudha, Namma Metro and all of the City’s landmarks carved on it.”

She already has plans to extend her business. “I have found a vendor who is willing to sell me 1,000 to 2,000 records for a reasonable rate,” she says. But Monica says it’s difficult to find English records that haven’t been touched by time.

“A negative feedback I got from customers was that the labels of the clocks were in Tamil while the designs were of popular international bands. So now I’m planning to make my own label. It’s comparatively harder to find English records and they are more expensive so it’s easier to make the labels myself,” she says. She also has plans to make clocks out of wood and stainless steel.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Ananya Revanna / DHNS – March 23rd, 2015

Exploring Palace Road’s rich heritage

March 19, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Traveladmin

Efforts under way to retain the majesty of Palace Road and declare the entire stretch as heritage zone.

Palace Road became a focal point after a controversy broke out over the proposal to demolish Balabrooie, a heritage structure.

However, not many realise that the 4.7-km long Palace Road — sans one ways — also connects Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in south Bengaluru to the Bangalore Palace in Palace Grounds.

Efforts underway to retain the majesty of ancient buldings on Palace road and declare the entire stretch as heritage zone

1	Survey conducted by Venkatramanan Associates named ‘Palace to Palace’ (Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Chamarajpet to Palace Grounds) is nicknamed ‘Swarna Marga’.
2	Survey urges the government to demarcate the area as heritage zone.
3	Prominent structures, parks and public utility spaces here: Bangalore Gayana Samaj, K.R. Market, Victoria Hospital, Tipu’s Palace, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Fort High School, Carlton House, Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soundha, Maharani College, Freedom Park Central College, University Law College, Historic Centre of Bangalore (near Avenue Road junction), Raj Bhavan, Niton Building, Golf Course, Balabrooie guest house, Manikyavelu Mansion, Bangalore Palace and several residential mansions.
4	The smart step will be to pedestrianise the entire stretch for passerby to walk and appreciate the heritage value. Mumbai, Hyderabad and Barcelona have demarcated heritage sites; such ideas can be replicated in Bengaluru. An Urban Arts Commission is needed to identify and conserve heritage sites.

A survey by architect Naresh V. Narasimhan of Venkataramanan Associates has now made efforts to visualise the wider Palace Road that houses several such mansions and public utility spaces as ‘Swarna Marga’.

“I was curious to observe and study Palace Road and the buildings on the stretch,” says Mr. Narasimhan, who has brought out a special Survey on Palace Road, suggesting guidelines for its heritage labelling.

_______________________________________________________________

“ Avenue Road is important for its heritage buildings and intangible history. This is where a battle for Bangalore, a battle between the British and Mysoreans, took place. We have to have awareness panels installed on the road, like for example- ‘On this very spot, the British erected a battery and fired at the Fort’ It is here that many communities helped build Bengaluru, each with their own temple, for example.- Meera Iyer ”

________________________________________________________________

“We brought out a map that reflects more than 40 massive heritage buildings on this road. Palace Road earlier extended from Fort High School in Chamarajpet to the Bangalore Palace on Palace Road, cutting across Avenue Road. For retaining the majesty of Palace Road, we are urging the government to take a collective relook at restoring and declaring the entire stretch as a heritage zone,” says Mr. Narasimhan.

It is up to the government to have the Bangalore Heritage Preservation Act in place to recognise the intrinsic value of these traditional structures. If the move materialises, it is worthwhile adding a tagline to Palace Road as ‘Swarna Marga’ or the Golden Road, says Mr. Narasimhan.

“The stretch is beyond Tipu’s Palace and begins at 5th Main Road, K.R. Road junction, and runs up to Palace Grounds. It is along this path that the city’s oldest areas have grown,” adds Mr. Narasimhan.

Not just that these mansions have to be remodelled for housing museums and galleries, but owners can simply have their “old gold” retained for their antiquity value, instead of falling prey to land sharks and losing out on their heritage value.

A superficial-makeover of buildings without disturbing the original design is all that is needed, says Mr. Narasimhan, known for his hand in restoration of Hotel Metropole in Mysuru and the Maharaja’s Hotel in Brindavan Gardens.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – March 19th, 2015

CM unveils Sangolli Rayanna statue at K.R. Nagar

March 16, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

K.R. Nagar, Mysuru :

“Sangolli Rayanna, a revolutionary that he was, is symbol of sacrifice, patriotism and bravery,” opined Chief Minister Siddharamaiah.

Speaking after unveiling the statue of revolutionary freedom fighter, Sangolli Rayanna at Kanaka Gurupeetha premises on Cheernalli Road in the town yesterday, Siddharamaiah said Rayanna belonged to Kuruba Community and it does not assume much significance, considering the enormous sacrifice he made for the country’s independence.

Pointing out it was most disgusting to note that Sangolli Rayanna was deceived by his own, which led to his capture by the British and his subsequent hanging at Nandgad in Belagavi, the Chief Minister said that he has announced Sangolli Rayanna Authority at Nandgad in this year’s budget.

Stating that he felt happy to unveil the statue of the great revolutionary Sangolli Rayanna, the CM said Sangolli Rayanna is a model to the current generation in terms of bravery, sacrifice, loyalty and patriotism. Referring to local issues, Siddharamaiah said that tenders have been invited for naming Sri Rama Sugar Factory at Chunchanakatte for a period of 35 years. The CM also recalled the services of former MLA late Manchanahalli Mahadev to K.R. Nagar Constituency.

Former MP A.H. Vishwanath in his address, welcomed the government’s decision to set up Sangolli Rayanna Authority at Nandgad, as such a move will give a boost to developmental activities in the region.

Vishwanath appealed the government to release funds for various infrastructure works in town and for the construction of Pathrakarthara Bhavan in the town.

Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar, in his address, said Sangolli Rayanna is an asset of the entire country.

Kaginele Shakha Mutt Seer Shivanandapuri Swamiji and Siddaramanandapuri Swamiji graced the occasion. MP C.S. Puttaraju, MLA S.R. Mahesh, MLC R. Dharmasena, ZP President Dr. Pushpa Amarnath, DC C. Shikha, MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar, Taluk Kuruba Sangha President Mallegowda and other Congress leaders were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday – March 16th, 2015

Bangalore First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Bengaluru, Kannadigas and all the People of Karnataka – here at Home and Overseas