Vidhan Soudha

The Vidhan Soudha is the main attraction of the city of gardens. The building is marvelous blend of modern architecture and the traditional Dravidian style. This is an ideal place to visit on a leisurely evening, while on a tour to Bangalore.

The Vidhan Soudha is the State Legislative Assembly of the state of Karnataka, and a part of the Secretariat also. The imposing edifice was conceived by the then Chief Minister of Mysore, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, during the period 1951 to 1956. The building sprawls over an area of 60 acres. The Vidhan Soudha symbolizes the sovereignty of people. The foundations of this arresting monument were laid by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the 13th July 1951. A persistent work of five thousand of workers completed the building in 1956.

The expenditure to build this beautiful building was Rs. 1.75 crores in those times. Built largely in Bangalore granite, this edifice of power is adorned with floral motifs and stone carvings. The Vidhan Soudha is in rectangular shape. It measures 700 ft. north-south and 350 ft. east-west. There are two inner open quadrangles on each side of the central wing, each of which measures 230 ft by 230 ft. The northern wing has a ground floor and three upper floors, and is 63 ft. high while the southern wing has a cellar, a ground floor, and three upper floors measuring 73 ft. in height. The central wing has a banquet hall on the ground floor, with the Legislative Assembly chamber above the banquet hall. The central wing is 112 ft. high. Vidhan Soudha is the largest legislative building of our country.

The building is in fact, presents an architectural marvel of sorts. The grand stairs in front of the majestic building are one of the interesting features of the building. The 45 step stairs are 204 ft. wide and 70 ft. deep. These steps lead to the foyer of the first floor. The foyer in turn leads to the Assembly Chamber. The building has rich carved bases, kapotha cornices, deep friezes, heavy pediments, and chaitya arches. The construction at the same time has elements of modern design also which makes use of steel, plastic and reinforced cement concrete. The 12 columns in front of the Assembly Hall, which are 40 ft. high, are a good background for the central dome. Besides the central dome, the structure also has six smaller domes. The central dome is also the roof of the State Banquet Hall.
 

The Legislative Assembly chamber itself measures 125 ft by 132 ft, and is 40 ft high. This is located on the first floor of the central wing, and can accommodate 268 members. If the seating arrangement is adjusted it can house further 100 members.

Last Updated On: 2011/07/11