Vidhana Soudha is an iconic building of Karnataka located in its capital city, Bengaluru. It is a seat of the state legislature of Karnataka and a ballpark for political discussions and assemblies. The foundation stone for Vidhana Soudha was laid in 1951 and in 1952, the construction of this building began and it got completed in 1956. From then to today, this legislative building has completed 60 glorious years. In this context, we have got few facts about Vidhana soudha for you in today’s read.
Important Facts about Vidhana Soudha
It is an architecture designed in Mysore-Neo Dravidian Style.
Vidhana Soudha is designed in a style described as Mysore-Neo Dravidian style. It embodies the elements of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian styles.
Foundation stone for Soudha was laid in 1951
The foundation stone for Vidhana Soudha was laid by then Prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, on July 13, 1951.
Credits should go to Kengal Hanumanthaiah
Kengal Hanumanthaiah is the man behind the fabrication of Vidhan Soudha. He is credited with the conception and construction of Soudha. We should also appreciate his efforts put for the speedy construction of the building.
It is said that Mr. Hanumanthaiah visited the nations like Europe, Russia, and the United States to study the design idea. He incorporated the various designs he studied to formulate the final design of the Soudha.
Vidhan Soudha is the largest legislative Building in India
Vidhana Soudha is a granite building that has four floors above and one floor below ground level. It has spread across an area of 2,300 by 1500 feet and is the largest legislative building in India.
Annual Maintenance of Soudha is 20 Million Rupees
It is said that around 17.5 million rupees were spent at that time to construct Vidhan Soudha. Today, the annual maintenance of Soudha is nearly 20 Million Rupees (includes repairs, painting, and other misc expenses).
Soudha says, “ Government’s work is God’s work.”
One can see a slogan on the front of the building which is inscribed as “ Government’s work is God’s work,” and the Kannada parallel “ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಕೆಲಸ ದೇವರ ಕೆಲಸ.” In 1957, the Mysore Government put efforts to change the slogan to Satya Meva Jayathe at a cost of 7,500 rupees however the change did not take place.
It took 4-5 years to complete the work of Vidhana Soudha
This legislative building has 22 state Government departments with over 300 rooms. It is said that about 5000 persons were used in the labor work, and 1500 scammers along with masons, and wood carvers. It took 4-5 years to complete the work (1952 – 1956).
Exteriors of Soudha is inspired from Rajasthan Palaces
The western side exterior is inspired by the sculptures of Rajasthan palaces, and another side on the northern part is inspired by Krishna Raja Sagar dam, Mysore. The cabinet meeting hall is on the western side (third floor) which is decorated and carved in Sandalwood make.
The inner space of Soudha is Quadrangle in shape
One should note that the total structure of Vidhana Soudha is 720 feet high in length and 360 feet in width. The inner space which is quadrangle in shape is 260 by 260 feet and the eastern side hall is constructed with eight main columns.
Vidhana Soudha is a Magnificent Granite architecture
The structure of Vidhana Soudha is made out of Granite which was sourced from nearby quarries. It is said that stones for the construction of Soudha were brought from Arahalli and Hesaraghatta. If green bluish granite was brought from Mallsandra then Magadi contributed the porphyry stones for the stonework decoration.
These were a few facts about Vidhana Soudha. If you have anything to share about the topic then please contribute your words in the comments below.
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