The idea to have a structure to house the legislature was mooted during the tenure of Karnataka’s first chief minister, Kyasamballi Chengalaraya Reddy. The idea turned into action during the term of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the second chief minister of Karnataka.
The story around the architecture of Vidhana Soudha goes back to the time when a Russian cultural delegation was visiting Bengaluru. Challenged and inspired by their comments, Kengal Hanumanthaiah vowed to create a grand monument that would showcase Karnataka’s indigenous architectural style. His vow resulted in a timeless structure of grandeur. The construction of Vidhana Soudha was assisted by the then government architect and chief engineer, B.R. Manickam.
There is an inscription of the phrase “Government’s Work Is God’s Work” in English and “ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಕೆಲಸ ದೇವರ ಕೆಲಸ” (sarkarada kelasa devara kelasa) in Kannada on the front façade.
The architecture of Vidhana Soudha is inspired by Tanjore’s Brihadeshwara and Karnataka’s Somnathpur temples. Vidhana Soudha boasts of Mysuru Neo-Dravidian architecture, with influences from classic European and Indo-Saracenic styles. It has incorporated various elements from the medieval kingdoms of the Chalukyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar empire.
Constructed entirely with ‘Bangalore granite’ and porphyry materials, Vidhana Soudha has ornamented domes on all four corners. ‘Magadi pink’ and ‘Turuvekere black’ stones have also been used.
The entrance to Vidhana Soudha, containing the carving of a four-headed lion.
Located on the southern side of the Vidhana Soudha is a structure called ‘Vikasa Soudha’. This is popularly known as the Sister of Vidhana Soudha. The architecture of Vikasa Soudha follows the Neo-Dravidian style of Vidhana Soudha and was built using granite from Hesaraghatta, Mallasandra, Avalahalli and Koira.
Text source: https://bpac.in/vidhana-soudha/. Pictures taken by me.
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