Mysuru, Karnataka: An expert team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has visited Mysuru to assess two of the city’s most iconic heritage structures — the Devaraja Market and the Lansdowne Building — following directions from the Supreme Court of India.
The visit comes after the court sought IIT Roorkee’s evaluation of the structural integrity and restoration feasibility of the two historic landmarks. This move was prompted by a plea filed by G. Satyanarayana (Gouri Satya) and subsequent findings by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), which had earlier recommended preserving the buildings due to their architectural, cultural, and historical significance.
Court’s Observation
On September 4, a bench comprising Justices J. B. Pardiwala and Sandeep Mehta observed that if the two structures could be preserved through repairs, “then nothing like that.” The court directed IIT Roorkee to form an expert committee and submit a comprehensive report within eight weeks, assessing the current condition and conservation potential of both buildings.
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Two-Day Assessment by IIT Roorkee
A four-member expert team, led by Professor Umesh Kumar Sharma, visited Mysuru for a two-day preliminary study. According to Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, the team’s visit marks the first phase of a detailed evaluation process. The team will later return for an in-depth study before submitting its report to the Supreme Court.
MCC Superintending Engineer Manju confirmed that the study aims to explore the possibility of preserving the structures with minimal structural intervention, in line with INTACH’s earlier recommendations. (deccanherald.com)
Reactions from Citizens and Stakeholders
Petitioner Gouri Satya expressed satisfaction over the visit, noting that while he wasn’t informed of the schedule, he was pleased that the expert review was underway.
S. Mahadev, president of the Devaraja Market Shopkeepers’ Association, said that several members were present during the inspection and shared detailed inputs with the team. (deccanherald.com)
Background and Heritage Significance
The Devaraja Market (1881–1894) and Lansdowne Building (1892) were both constructed during the reign of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar. The latter was inaugurated by Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne and then Viceroy of India.
While both structures have stood as enduring symbols of Mysuru’s architectural legacy, they have suffered significant damage over the years. A portion of Lansdowne Building collapsed in August 2012, tragically claiming four lives, and a section of Devaraja Market collapsed in August 2016.
Government’s Stand
Despite heritage advocates urging restoration, the Karnataka government has earlier stated its plan to demolish and reconstruct the buildings with a replica facade, arguing structural safety concerns. However, heritage experts emphasize that preservation with sensitive repair would better retain the city’s cultural identity.