Protect Mysuru’s heritage from bulldozers, real estate interests: B. Suresh

Warning against historic structures and the homes of eminent writers falling prey to bulldozers and real estate interests, actor and filmmaker B. Suresh on Thursday called for collective efforts to preserve Mysuru’s architectural heritage and historical legacy.

“Mysuru is not merely a city of palaces, but a beautiful place that reflects our heritage,” he said while flagging off a heritage walk organised by the Departments of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, and Tourism at the Town Hall premises here as part of Dasara celebrations.

Emphasising that heritage conservation should go beyond tourism promotion, Mr. Suresh said traditional buildings and historical landmarks must be protected for future generations. The heritage walk should showcase not only Mysuru’s heritage but also Karnataka’s rich history, he added.

Recalling the city’s historical evolution, he highlighted its rich cultural past. He also referred to the construction of the Town Hall, initiated by Diwan Sheshadri Iyer in 1884, and recalled performing a play there during the 1985 World Kannada Conference.

Mr. Suresh stressed the need to protect the residences of eminent literary figures such as R.K. Narayan, Kuvempu and Ta.Ra.Su. Mysuru has more than 129 identified heritage buildings, each reflecting a distinct architectural style, historical period and cultural background, he said.

Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage Devaraju said the department had identified and documented more than 129 heritage buildings in the city and published brochures detailing select structures.

The responsibility for maintaining historic buildings rested with their owners and the concerned departments, he said, adding that the department would provide technical assistance wherever necessary. Buildings such as Devaraja Market, Lansdowne Building and the Fire Brigade building required appropriate maintenance to preserve their historical significance.

Sarva Pillai Iyengar of Karnataka State Open University, speaking on Mysuru’s iconic landmarks, said the Silver Jubilee Clock Tower, Dufferin Clock Tower and another clock tower at Manasagangothri were integral to the city’s identity.

The Silver Jubilee Clock Tower, built by workers using their own funds to mark the 25th year of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s reign, stood as a testament to good governance, he said.

Prizes were distributed to winners of the Bombe Mane exhibition and the Selfie with Heritage Building photography competition. Gajalakshmi Nagaraj, Geetha Srihari and Saraswathi Kiran won the first, second and third prizes, respectively, in the doll exhibition. Meena Krishna Kumar, Anuditha and Purushottam Chakravarthy secured the corresponding prizes in the selfie competition.