Bangalore, the capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka is a multi-dimensional city. One of its iconic buildings is the Vidhan Soudha and we take a look at some interesting facts about Vidhan Soudha here. On the one hand, Bangalore is a futuristic city, the seat of the burgeoning Information Technology industry. On another plane, Bangalore is a city with a rich heritage and unique culture that comes alive in many of its iconic structures like the Vidhan Soudha. If you are wondering about the Vidhan Soudha and its magnificent structure, you are sure to be bowled over by these interesting facts about Vidhan Soudha.
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Interesting Facts About Vidhan Soudha
The Vidhan Soudha is an enduring landmark of Bangalore. In many ways, it is an iconic statement of the city, the realized dream of a man known as Kengal Hanumanthaiah (K. Hanumanthaiah), the second Chief Minister of Karnataka. The structure stands in a silent symphony stretching as far as the eye can see, in the heart of the bustling metropolis. It is a silent witness to the march of history and the metamorphosis of Bangalore from a laid back city to a bustling urban centre.
Interesting Facts About Vidhan Soudha | Lesser Known Facts Of Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
It is fascinating to read about the Vidhana Soudha history, and how the building which is the seat of the Karnataka state legislature came into being. Here are 16 facts about Vidhana Soudha you should know and we hope you enjoy reading about these Interesting facts about Vidhan Soudha.
- The foundation stone of the Vidhan Soudha was laid by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the 13th of July, 1951
- The construction of the Vidhan Soudha was completed in 1956
- The Vidhan Soudha was constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.75 Crores and the annual maintenance cost of it in present times is around Rs. 2.0 Crores
- The Vidhan Soudha has been constructed in what is known as the Neo-Dravidian style of archiecture which and is a blend of British, Dravidian, and Indo-Islamic architectural styles
- The Vidhan Soudha has been built with local stones that include, ‘Bangalore Granite’, ‘Magadi Pink,” and “Turuvakere Black”, stones
- The Vidhan Soudha is a labour of love of the second Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri. K. Hanumanthaiah
- The Vidhan Soudha was completed in 4 years with 5000 labourers and around 1500 chiselers, woodcarvers, and masons working on it
- It is fascinating to note that most of the unskilled labourers who worked on the construction of the Vidhan Soudha were convicts serving time in jail who were promised freedom on the completion of construction
- The Vidhan Soudha structure and complex are located in an area that spans 60 acres
- The Vidhan Soudha measures 700 feet in length, 350 feet in width, and 150 feet in height,
- The total floor area of Vidhan Soudha is 5,05,505 sq.feet, spread over three floors
- The main highlight of the Vidhan Soudha is the main entrance that looks imposing with 45 grand steps leading to the foyer of the first floor that gives access to the Assembly Hall
- Twelve 40 feet columns stand magnificently near the steps.
- A replica known as Vikas Soudha has been constructed beside the Vidhan Soudha which was inaugurated in 2005 and was the brainchild of the then Chief Minister Shri. S.M.Krishna
- A similar structure called Suvarna Vidhan Soudha has been built in Belgaum as the second secretariat of Karnataka
Good To Know Information About Vidhan Soudha
- Vidhan Soudha Address is: Ambedkar Bheedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
- The entry of the public to Vidhana Soudha is restricted and one needs to take prior permission
- The Vidhana Soudha is a popular backdrop for photographers and Instagrammers
We hope you liked reading about some of the unknown facts about Vidhan Soudha, the imposing building that stands majestically in the heart of Bangalore. Have you been to Bangalore? If yes which is your favourite heritage building in Bangalore? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Also, subscribe to our blog for travel stories from India and the world. Follow us on our social media channels.
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That’s really interesting set of facts. The building looks imposing no doubt.
I have been to India a few times but never been to Bangalore yet. My dream is to spend a few months traveling by bus and trains and visit all the major cities in India, including Bangalore. I have a friend from there and he says the weather is not too different from my country (Malaysia).
Wow, to complete such a massive landmark in only 4 years using unskilled labor is quite a feat! I would never have guessed that a structure of that size & detail could arise that quickly in the 1950s. Thank you for sharing!
I love the way you described the Vidhan Soudha. As I looked at the outside of the building I could see so many different facets that make up this symphony. Probably reflecting that interesting mix of architectural styles and different stones. I am sure the woodcarvings are stunning with that many artists working on this building.
I have been to Bangalore many times and while going around the city, I have crossed Vidhan Soudha so so many times. But always assumed it to just be this majestic building where we couldn’t go, hence never bothered researching about the place at all. Didn’t know it was possible to enter the place with prior permission. Also, I don’t know how convicts are reintegrated in the Indian Society in general, but giving them a chance to work on community improvement projects and learning new skills and then letting them reenter the society, sounds like a just way. Glad they did that for building this beautiful structure 🙂
It’s such a great article, with lots of interesting content. I’ve been to India 3 times so far. But I haven’t had the chance to visit Vidhan Soudha in Karnataka yet. I was in Kerala. But I hope to back to the south.
You mentioned some very interesting fact about the construction of Vidhan Soudha building. Like the fact that they used unskilled workers on the construction of The Who were actually convicts serving time. I’d be curious to find out if they freed them, as promised, after the completion of the construction.
I remember it was in 1980 when five of us friends had visited South India and Bangalore was one of the locations. We had roamed around the lawns of the Visa Soudha and spent some relaxing moments there. It was so good to know these important facts about the place. Great learning experience.
Oh wow! It’s a lovely place. It’s so interesting that you need to seek permission before going there. I know it would be totally worth getting it, though. I love exploring places like this. And India is just amazing – no matter where you go!
The number of times I’ve crossed Vidhan Soudha is so many times, but never thought about its history! I can imagine it witnessing the way Bangalore has changed dramatically over time from being a quaint Kannadiga town to a buzzing cosmopolitan city! Indeed its architecture is quite a mix of dravidian, islamic & british styles! It does look imposing.