The grandeur and architectural splendour of Vidhana Soudha will make you awestruck. It's truly a magnificent building, with intricate carvings, imposing pillars, & symmetrical, awe-inspiring designs.
Sri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the former CM of Mysore, envisioned Vidhana Soudha as a symbol of the legislative sovereignty of the people, like the Capitol in Washington or the House of Commons in London.
Kengal Hanumanthaiah had a vision for a building that would not only serve as a functional seat of government but also reflect the cultural and architectural heritage of Karnataka. He aimed to create a building that would showcase the unique identity of the State and its rich history.
Vidhana Soudha is a stunning building that reflects the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Karnataka. Its construction began in 1952 and was completed four years later, in 1956.
Interestingly, the foundation of the building was laid by the late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the former Prime Minister of India, on July 31, 1951. The building is a testament to Hanumanthaiah's vision of creating a space that showcases the unique identity of the state and its history.
The completion of Vidhana Soudha in 1956 was the result of the dedication and hard work of thousands of workers who tirelessly put in their efforts. The total expense incurred in the construction was Rs. 1.84 crore, which was a significant amount at that time.
The Vidhana Soudha building is an impressive display of Karnataka's rich cultural and architectural heritage. The buildings architect was was B R Manickam, a civil engineer and town planner, and he was assisted by Hanumanthia Rao Naidu, a London Architectural Association graduate.
The decorative elements of the building draw inspiration from traditional temple architecture. But, the design is carefully orchestrated to create a unique and stunning structure. Masons had to be recruited from far away to work the stone in a traditional Dravidian manner.
The building's architectural design blends Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic styles, reflecting the ancient South Indian culture.
Besides symbolising democratic governance, Vidhana Soudha is a vital tourist attraction illuminated with colourful lights during special occasions. It is a sight to behold, especially during the evenings.