Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri: The Political and Architectural Centres of Bangalore!

Vidhana Soudha is a building in Bangalore that serves as the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. It is not only politically famous but holds a special place for its architecture. It’s a marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing buildings not only in Bangalore but in India. The building's architecture, which is based on the Dravidian style, includes heavy pediments, domical finials, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, and finely carved pillar bases and capitals. In addition, modern designs have been used in the building, utilising materials such as steel, reinforced cement concrete, glass and plastic.

This building was a concert of the then Chief Minister of Mysore, Sri K. Hanumanthaiya. Hanumanthaiah wanted the structure to symbolise the legislative sovereignty of the people, similar to the US Capitol or the House of Commons in London. The idea was turned into a reality when the foundation stone was laid by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951. The construction work started in 1952 and took four years to complete. Over 6,000 workers were involved in the construction out of which over 5,000 were convicts, performing labour in exchange for the commutation of their sentences. Nearly 1,500 artisans were also present to work on the artistic elements of the building which is mostly made with granite. The granite was sourced from the quarries of Magadi in Karnataka. Manikyam, who was a chief engineer and architect in the state public works department, was in charge of the construction of the building which features various elements of the Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian style. 

The structure is rectangular, with dimensions of 700 feet north-south and 350 feet east-west. It has two inner, open quadrangles, each measuring roughly 230 feet by 230 feet, on either side of the central wing. The southern wing, which has a cellar floor, a ground floor, and three upper storeys, is 73 feet 6 inches high from ground level, whereas the northern wing, which has a ground floor, is 63 feet 6 inches high. Standing 112 feet tall, the Central Wing houses the Legislative Assembly Chamber above and a Banquet Hall on the bottom floor.

One of the most interesting features of this building is the grand staircase at its front. The staircase consists of 45 steps, 204 feet wide and 70 feet deep, providing direct access to the foyer on the first floor, which leads to the Assembly Chamber. According to the Gazette of Karnataka, the project cost a total of Rs 1.75 crore.

Attara Kacheri

Another architectural wonder right opposite the Vidhana Soudha is the Attara Kacheri. Attara Kacheri is a building that houses the Karnataka High Court. This court where attara means "eighteen" and kacheri means "department" was constructed by Chikkadevaraya, the 14th Maharaja of the Mysore Kingdom. The building once housed the 18 departments but they are now shifted to the Vidhana Soudha. Just like the legislative house, Attata Kacheri is also an example of the Gothic Style of architecture. 

Credit for the conceptualisation of this building’s design goes to Mr. Bowring, the then Commissioner of Mysore, with execution by Rao Bahadur Arcot Narayanaswamy Mudaliar. Construction began in 1864 and was completed by 1868 at a cost of approximately Rs. 4.5 lakhs.

The building houses several attractions worth witnessing. The ceiling of the Central Hall is beautified with portraits of Sir Mark Cubbon, the Commissioner of Mysore (1834 to 1861). It features a majestic porch at the center as well as at both ends of the elevation. The High Court building also contains a library and a museum. This museum showcases the development of the judiciary in the state through objects and artifacts that have been integral to its judicial administration over the years. Notable exhibits include a handmade chair crafted by the District Judge of Karwar, Sri R.B.H. Davis, a 150 kg brass bell, a 1902 wall clock, binoculars, and a portrait of Raja Dharma Praveena Devan Bahadur Sri P. Mahadevaiah.