Dignified building worthy of its resident’s stature

Dignified building worthy of its resident’s stature
The Times of India

Bangalore: For most commuters who zip past the Raj Bhavan here, the high forbidding gates are just a landmark. But inside lies a majestic building that at once embodies the country’s colonial past as well as its resilience and penchant to move on.

On the numerous occasions that the various residents of Raj Bhavan have allowed visitors to have a glimpse at this building, it has evoked awe and fascination.

The Raj Bhavan has been intricately interwoven with Bangalore’s history. It was not always known by the present name and it was not always occupied by the First Citizen of the state.

The building is supposed to have been built by Sir Mark Cubbon, who was closely associated with Bangalore and whose legacy continues to live in various forms, between 1840 and 1842 when he was the commissioner of the Mysore territories of the British. It was his private residence and he reportedly put it up for sale when he left in 1861. It was purchased by his successor Lewin Benthem Bowring, who then used government funds to convert it into the official residence of the commissioner.

Slowly, the building was converted, room by room, into its current understated elegance. A ballroom was constructed in 1874 when the Prince of Wales visited India.

Many changes were made to the building during its existence in the British Raj. In 1881, when power was transferred back to the Mysore Royal family, the office of the commissioner was abolished. It then became the official residence of the Resident and came to be called the Residency till Independence, when the Residency was abolished.

The Constitution then created the office of the Raj Pramukh (Governor) and the Residency was converted into the office of the Raj Pramukh. The Mysore Maharajah was made the first Raj Pramukh. But the king chose to stay at his palaces and the building was converted into the state guest house for the President, Vice-President and other dignitaries. It was even used by the Congress party for its legislature meetings.

However, with civilians being posted as Governors, the Raj Bhavan became the official resident of the Governor. Various occupants have tried to add their own touches to the building. The original structure was a onelevel structure. Another floor was added in 1967. The architectural integration is done remarkably well to the point that one assumes that it was always there.

It is a dignified building worthy of the status of its resident. This beautiful building has colonial architecture — stately pillars and symmetrically set pediment windows. Its well-laid lawns are the setting for many events like the traditional tea and swearingin ceremonies.

Owing to its official status, it is also among the most well-maintained heritage buildings in the city. It has also seamlessly integrated certain modern techniques, like a well-designed rain harvesting system.

(This is the 24th in our weekly series on Karataka’s rich cultural heritage)