Re-discovering city’s heritage

Re-discovering city’s heritage

Staff Reporter

‘This walk has given me an insight into the soul of Bangalore’

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

Once popular: Elgin Talkies, one of the oldest cinemas in Shivajinagar.

Bangalore: They walked discovering little-known places and architectural heritage of Bangalore. They were part of the fifth “Heritage Walk” organised by Bangalore City Project (BCP), Max Mueller Bhavan, Goethe-Institute, and UDBHAVA Forum, here on Saturday.

“Heritage Walk” was to re-discover Shivajinagar, one of the oldest localities, which was developed during mid 15th century. It has the reputation of having some of the oldest buildings that have remained unchanged.

Krupa Rajangam, an architect and heritage conservationist, was the guide for the day.

She guided the group through the thoroughfares of Shivajinagar.

The walk began at Elgin Talkies, one of the oldest cinemas in Bangalore.

The cinema was established in 1896 and has not been modified since then.

The theatre still uses its original projector to screen films.

Shivajinagar Garadi Ustad Pehliwan Kale Bhai was the next stop.

This building, now a “biriyani house”, was renowned for being a garadi, a place where wrestlers practised.

Anne Rassendren from France, who was part of the walk, said: “Everything in India has a deeper meaning. Who would have thought this place was once famous for wrestling.”

From there, the group of walkers proceeded to Russel Market, which was built in 1927 by the British settlers to serve as their green grocery and butcher store. Rebecca Bouvin, an American studying in Bangalore, said: “I like exploring India with many people because then the attention is not on me alone. I am drawn to Russel Market and have resolved to visit it often.”

They then moved towards Mews, which once provided accommodation for boys. It is now home to a large Muslim family that has managed to keep it in its original state.

Ms. Rajangam then took the group to Adams Square, which was established in 1912. Originally it was known as Richards Square.

Last on the agenda was St. Mary’s Basilica which is being revamped. It was established by the British Missionaries and has since seen many expansions. Pierre Charpy, a middle-aged man working in Bangalore, said: “I have been here for 18 months and never have I seen such wonderful places. The tourist companies normally take us to places that are supposed to be ‘tourist attractions’. But this walk has given me an insight into the soul of Bangalore, a real understanding and feeling for this place. My wife and I are glad to be part of the walk.”

“This is the first walk of 2009, and we hope to have one at the end of every month. These walks are being organised to help the people of Bangalore to be aware of the heritage sites in the city and also see how far they have come in their development stage,” Ms. Rajangam said.