Bungalow was gifted to Poornaiah by Wadiyars

Mysore :

Come 2014 and the more than 200 year-old bungalow of Dewan Poornaiah, Dewan of erstwhile Mysore State in Yelandur, Chamarajanagar district, will be turned into a museum to give a glimpse of his persona and achievements.

Heritage Commissioner Dr. C.G. Betsurmath has said that as per the deadline of December set by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, which is overseeing the renovation works, the works are almost complete and added that they were now focussing on developing a museum at the bungalow.

The fact that the revenue administration adopted by Poornaiah two centuries ago is still the guiding force for administration in the State speaks volumes about his acumen as he not only streamlined revenue but also conducted land surveys in a methodical manner and we want the museum to depict this and speak about his acumen, Betsurmat said.

After inspecting the site, the Heritage Commissioner said that only about 5% civil works were pending and added that they were collecting the belongings of Poornaiah to put the same on display at the two-storied structure. He also said that officials of the department had contacted Poornaiah’s family members in this regard.

Dewan Poornaiah was a leading administrator who served under three kings namely Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar as Dewan before retiring, which was followed by his death in 1812.

He was also well known for his skills in accounts and proficiency in several languages, Besturmath said and added that the department was spending Rs. One crore to renovate and open a museum at the bungalow where Dewan Poornaiah lived.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / October 24th, 2013