Showcasing culture and development

Showcasing culture and development
The city’s bandstands and museums are doing their bit to bring a rich cultural heritage to the people
The Times of India

Bangalore has a rich culture and heritage that is evident from the numerous architectural delights that dot the city. And protecting our heritage is not just about protecting the various monuments - it's also about creating awareness among people and giving these historical and cultural structures value in the new era.

Bandstands
Bangalore was always known as the Garden City and true to its name has sprawling greenery in the heart of the city. Cubbon Park and Lalbagh are a refreshing delight to the senses, away from the crowds. But these are not the only parks in the city. There are numerous small parks found almost in all areas of Bangalore, which provide relief from the traffic.

And did you know that many of these parks had quaint bandstands? The bandstands in Cubbon Park and Lalbagh were built during the British regime and at that time, Western bands used to entertain people on Sunday evenings. After independence, the bands of the army and the police used to perform for the public on Sunday evenings but this practice was discontinued. The bandstand at Lalbagh was built in 1856 by gardeners who were brought in by the British. They built this wooden military bandstand and the stunning Glass House, which hosts the famous flower show, as we all know. The BDA recently undertook renovation of the bandstand in Lalbagh and have spruced it all up.

Nowadays, Sundays are an exceptional day indeed for those who visit Lalbagh and Cubbon Park as the Kannada and Culture Ministry organises the 'Udyanavanadalli Udaya Ragagalu', which is essentially an open-air concert of morning ragas. You'll find a variety of local and upcoming artists who render Carnatic and Hindustani compsoitions at the bandstand for over an hour.

Museums and art galleries
You will also find several interesting museums and art galleries around the city. How are they being maintained today and what does the future hold in store for them? Started in 1960, the three-acre Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, is dedicated to the cause of art and culture, and is a premier art institution in the country. According to D K Chowta, General Secretary, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, it is maintained by government grants and the donations it receives from its many patrons and art lovers. "The college is run on donations it receives from students and grants it receives from the government. Last year we received a grant of Rs 24 lakhs but the expense we incur in running the college is about Rs 1.1 crores. We are hoping to gain autonomy soon. The UGC has already granted autonomy, now it's only the state government that has to sanction it. Once we gain autonomy we will receive a yearly grant of about Rs 10-15 lakhs from UGC," explains Chowta. About Rs 30-40 lakhs is gained through its internal resource mobilsation and donations. Its internal resource mobilisation drive includes renting out the galleries for art and handicraft exhibitions, and selling art, publications, mementoes etc, at the Art Mart.

"We wish to renovate the open-air theatre so that we can have events for tourists every weekend. A new campus is on the anvil that will have an air-conditioned gallery, an auditorium and a public library. It will also include studios for ceramic, painting and bronze work, and accommodation for visitors. We have already started work on this project. It is ambitious but we hope to achieve it," states Chowta.

Another hallmark in the city is the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. This museum gives an insight into the history of technological development in India and showcases many technical innovations. K Vasudev Bhatta, Director, Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, says, "we are shortly going to start renovation work of the auditorium, reception and other areas in the museum at a cost of Rs 40 lakhs. This will be completed by the end of the year. Apart from that, we are also going to set up a new gallery called Fun Science that will showcase new exhibits. Next year we will hopefully add on one more gallery and we are planning to build one more floor so we can have more galleries."

They conceive new exhibitions like the recently concluded astronomical observatories which is a travelling exhibition. This museum is an autonomous body that falls under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture and more than 40 percent of what they incur on maintenance is mobilised by them.

The Karnataka Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery was established in 1865 and it's home to sculptures, paintings, and other antiques. According to a museum official, it is a heritage building being maintained by the State. Since it is a heritage building it has to be well maintained in its present condition and no additions can be made to this structure.