India has a long history of thousands of years and Mysuru is one such place that has always held prime importance in the heritage and culture of the country. The Devaraja Market in Mysuru is an important tourist site that offers great buying and some fabulous photo opportunities.
The market has come into highlight recently after the Karnataka High Court ordered its demolition as the structure is now in a dilapidated state. In 2016 some portion of the market collapsed after which the Mysuru City Corporation recommended rebuilding of the structure to the state government instead of renovating it. However, after a few vendors went to the court against this decision, the demolition had to be kept on hold.
Wish we were better at preserving and maintaining heritage structures. #Mysuru #heritage #devarajamarketmysuru soon we will have only glass and concrete in towns and cities and all the old beauty will be demolished. Forever. https://t.co/eW3MPob6t3
— Lalita Pulavarti (@Lalita_Pulavart) June 15, 2019
Now, the court has ordered the state government to go ahead with the demolition. Mayor Pushpalatha Jaganath recently revealed that she has received a letter from the MCC Council for the demolition of the structure and now the government will have to take the decision.
Here are some interesting things that you should know about the Devaraja Market in Mysuru which may lose their heritage value after demolition:
History Of Devaraja Market
The market was established during the 18th century in the reign of Tipu Sultan as a small weekly market where fresh fruits and vegetables were traded. As of today, the market has more than 800 shops spread across 3 acres of land.
Ever since the construction of its structure in the 1900s, it has been extended in many stages over the years, more so during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and has been named after the Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar.
Design Of The Market
The highlight of the market is its dedicated division into sections for different types of products. For example, a particular section is dedicated only to fresh flowers and puja materials. Some of the prominent sections of the Devraja Market in Mysuru include sections for jaggery, fruits, vegetables, potatoes and onions, coconut, and puffed rice.
Market With 4 Entrances
The market has 4 entrances from Dhanvanthri Road in the South, opposite to the Dufferin Clock Tower in the north, and two entrances located in the middle of the market on the Sayyaji Rao Road. Shops are mostly arranged along the aisles that run all through the market.
The market offers everyday materials that are used by the locals and hence is not the ideal spot for souvenirs. However, since it is a wholesale market it offers huge scope for bargaining.
What To See In And Around Devaraja Market In Mysuru?
KSIC Silk Factory and Showroom
Mysuru is well known for Mysuru silk saree which is known for its lightweight nature and delicate borders of zari. The factory is the best place near Devaraja Market where you can buy an authentic Mysuru silk saree.
Clock Tower
Similar to other places of heritage in India, there are two clock towers located near the Devaraja Market. Dodda Gadiyaara is the larger clock tower whereas the smaller clock tower is known as Chikka Gadiyara.
Mysore Palace
Also called the Ambavilas, Mysore Palace is an iconic structure in the city which is an ideal example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture quite common in this region. Even today some of the members of the royal family live here and hence only a section of the palace is open for the visitors.
The rule and life of the Maharaja’s in the earlier day is depicted here through the oil paintings adorning the walls of the palace. Other things of interest are the Doll Pavilion and the Durbar Hall with solid silver doors and mahogany ceilings.
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery
The gallery displays a wide collection of art by several famous artists. Raja Ravi Verma’s “Glow of Hope” painting is one of the attraction apart from other pottery and sculptures. Things not to miss here include the famous sundial and ivory palanquin.
St. Philomena’s Church
It is the second largest church in Asia and is constructed in a Neo-Gothic style supposedly inspired from the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Apart from its religious and architectural significance, the church is also frequently visited by Catholics as it has relics of St Philomena placed in a catacomb under the church.
The twin spires of the church have a height of 175 feet and the stained glass windows here have paintings made in France depicting the life of Christ.
