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Vidhana Soudha |
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This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite
is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers of the state
government, this 46 meter high seat of the government is Bangalore's best known
landmark. This is one of Bangalore's most important buildings. Kengal Hanumanthaiah,
Chief Minister of the then Mysore State between 1951-1956 was responsible for the
concept, the structure and the setting of this magnificent building. There are four
domes on all the four corners. The main entrance is overshadowed by the four headed
lion,the symbol of Indian sovereignty. It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms. Supervised
and executed by engineers and architects led by the then Chief Engineer, late B.R.Manickam
of the Public Works Department, the Vidhana Soudha is an arresting monument. The
building project was started in 1952 and took five thousand labourers, 1500 chisellers,
masons and wood carvers four years to complete. Built entirely from Bangalore granite
in the Dravidian style, it has
floral motifs on stone carvings drawn from the celebrated
temple craft of South India.
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Total floor area: 5,50,505 square feet. Length: 700 feet. Width: 350 feet. Height
from floor level to top of central dome: 150 feet. The project begun in 1952 was
completed in 1956. |
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Recently
The Karnataka government has constructed a replica, named Vikasa Soudha,
to the
south of the building. Initiated by the then Chief Minister, S M Krishna, and inaugurated
in February 2005, it is intended to be an annexe housing some of the ministries
and legislative offices. |
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