Mysuru is wondering how to save old but spectacularly beautiful buildings

For long known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, with a blend of the traditional and the modern, Mysuru is grappling with challenges that have a negative bearing on its architectural legacy. ‘’More than half of 131 notified heritage buildings require some sort of intervention of which at least 25 need urgent conservation measures,’’ said Prof. Rangaraju who is also the convenor of INTACH Mysuru. Likewise, the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Maharaja’s College, the Yuvaraja’s College, Maharaja’s College Hostel, Government Girls School on Lalitha Mahal Road, Vasanth Mahal, which houses the teachers’ training institute, Vani Vilas Market are some of the structures that require funding for restoration, said Prof. Rangaraju. ‘’A one-time grant of ₹500 crore is required as per a back-of-the envelop calculation for the conservation of the notified heritage structures of the city. The 11 buildings are Vani Vilas Market, Old DC office, Fire Brigade Building at Saraswathipuram, Maharani’s Science College, Government Certified School for Girls, Maharaja’s College, Yuvaraja’s College, Union Building, Lakshmipuram Girls School, which now houses the office of the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Government Children’s Girls Home, and Maharaja’s Sanskrit Patashala.