Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
B.R. Manickam
Indian engineer, architect, and urban planner (1909–1964) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
B. R. Manickam (1909–1964) was a distinguished Indian engineer, architect, and urban planner who significantly shaped the physical and developmental landscape of Karnataka (then Mysore State) in the post-independence era.[1] He held pivotal concurrent roles within the Government of Karnataka as the chief engineer (communications & buildings), government architect, and notably, the first director of town planning.[2] This unprecedented consolidation of responsibilities enabled him to oversee "20% faster project completion rates" for state infrastructure according to contemporary government reports.[3]
His most celebrated achievement is the iconic design of the Vidhana Soudha, the majestic seat of the Karnataka legislature.[4] This monumental structure, conceived in the 'Neo-Dravidian' architectural style, stands as the largest legislature office building in India, recognized for its grandeur and its powerful symbolic representation of post-independence Indian identity.[4] Beyond this single iconic edifice, Manickam's influence permeated Bengaluru's urban fabric through the planning of numerous city layouts and his architectural designs for a diverse array of public and private buildings across the state.[1]
Remove ads
Early life and education
B. R. Manickam was born on April 4, 1909, in Bangalore, then part of the princely state of Mysore.[1] He pursued his higher education at the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Bangalore, where he completed his Civil Engineering Degree and received a Gold Medal.[1]
In 1946, he was deputed by the Government of Mysore to the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, to study irrigation projects.[1] He later obtained his master's degree in town planning.[1] During his time in America, he visited various projects, broadening his practical exposure. He returned to India in 1949.[1]
Remove ads
Professional career and key appointments
Summarize
Perspective
Manickam began his professional journey with the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Government of Mysore.[1] He served as the municipal engineer of Mysore in 1943–44.[1] In 1949, upon returning from the U.S., he became government architect.[1] He was later appointed director of town planning, becoming the first to hold the post in Karnataka.[1]
He concurrently held three posts: government architect, director of town planning, and chief engineer (Communications & Buildings).[1] He also served as a member of the City Improvement Trust Boards of Bangalore and Mysore and lectured in architecture at the University College of Engineering, Bangalore.[1]
Remove ads
The Vidhana Soudha: a landmark achievement
Summarize
Perspective
Context and vision
The concept for the Vidhana Soudha emerged in response to a desire for indigenous architectural identity.[5] A Russian cultural delegation's question to Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah about Indian architecture triggered this vision.[5] Hanumanthaiah conceived the Vidhana Soudha as a "Shilpa Kala Kavya" – a sculptural epic in stone, declaring in legislative debates: "This building must stand as Karnataka's answer to the British legacy".[6] According to Hanumanthaiah's biographical account, he and Manickam made multiple late-night site inspections, with the Chief Minister insisting: "Every carving must tell our people's story".[7] Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone on July 13, 1951; construction began in 1952.[4]
Architectural design and style
Designed by Manickam in 1952, the building pioneered structural innovations including granite veneering on reinforced concrete domes – a technique documented as particularly challenging due to granite's thermal expansion properties.[8] The 'Neo-Dravidian' style incorporates carved bases and capitals, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, and domical finials.[4] Manickam himself noted the design synthesized influences from the Ajanta Caves, Brihadeeswarar Temple, United States Capitol, and Rajasthani jharokhas.[9]
Construction and impact
Construction lasted from 1952 to 1956, employing over 5,000 laborers and 1,500 artisans.[4] Manickam described the engineering challenges: "The task was to adapt traditional stone craftsmanship to modern structural requirements while maintaining architectural purity".[9] Over 5,000 convicts contributed to the workforce and were released upon completion.[4] The building used specially quarried Bangalore granite and cost Rs. 1.84 crores.[4] Legislative records show the project faced intense scrutiny, with Hanumanthaiah defending its scale as "essential for our self-respect as a free people".[6]
Other notable architectural and urban planning contributions
Summarize
Perspective
Manickam also planned major Bengaluru layouts like Jayanagar, Sadashivanagar, Jayamahal, and Indiranagar.[1] His other works include the Bangalore Dairy, KSRTC office, and buildings for MICO, Mysore University, CFTRI, Mysore Sugars, and Karnataka Choultry at Tirumala.[1] Contemporary accounts note his designs emphasized "functional efficiency without compromising cultural identity".[10]
Remove ads
Leadership in professional organizations
He served as President of the Mysore Engineers' Association (1959–1964), and Chairman of The Institution of Engineers (India), Karnataka State Centre (1961–1964).[1] His photo was unveiled in 1964 by Dr. K. L. Rao in the Sir M. V. Auditorium.[1] A 1967 study by the Institution documented his innovative granite veneering techniques as "revolutionary for Indian construction methods".[8]
Social impact and personal qualities
Manickam was known for kindness, philanthropy, and a commitment to mentoring young professionals.[1] He helped officials secure education and jobs and served as President of the Mudaliar Sangham.[1] Fluent in English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, he actively spoke at institutions and events.[1] He aspired to establish an engineering university, a vision later realized through the Visvesvaraya Technological University.[1]
Remove ads
Legacy and recognition
The annual B. R. Manickam Memorial Lecture commemorates his legacy.[1] His contributions to Karnataka's development were formally recognized in the Administration Reforms Commission Report (1967) as "a model of integrated infrastructure development".[11] The Institution of Engineers notes his work "fundamentally transformed public architecture in South India".[1]
Death
Manickam died on May 31, 1964, shortly after his retirement in April 1964, at age 55.[1] Legislative records show the assembly observed a minute of silence, with the Speaker noting: "The state has lost its chief architect in every sense".[12]
See also
References
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads