Sir,

 Heritage does not mean historic and aesthetic old structures. It comprises many other things that reflect our history and culture. Cultural heritage is a gift from the past. By preserving this past, we enrich the future. We cherish our legacy in Mysuru’s diversity — silks, betel leaves, sandalwood, agarbathis, palaces and bungalows.

But, regrettably, now comes a move to erase one more part of this heritage — to rename the Princess Road in Vani Vilasa Mohalla. I regret to say the suggestion by our elected representative and the decision to endorse it by the Mysuru City Corporation and name it in honour of our Chief Minister, lacks knowledge of the city’s past and history.

Like many roads and streets in Namma Mysuru, the Princess Road too has a history, of how the Mysore Maharajas and their administrators made a pioneering effort to combat the deadly tuberculosis (TB) which was taking many lives. 

They had a vision and a goal — to eradicate TB and help the affected recover with the best possible medical help. The death of Princess Krishnarajammanni and her children moved the then Maharaja, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, to build a Sanatorium away from the city on an elevated location, to breathe fresh air and get treated with the best possible medical help for tuberculosis and chest diseases. 

Princess Krishnarajammanni was his second youngest sister and daughter of the erstwhile ruler, Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar. The Sanatorium was named after the late Princess. It was one of the earliest efforts in India hailed by one and all. The location of this prestigious hospital on a long stretch of the road gave it the name Princess Road. Presently called the PKTB Hospital, it celebrated its centenary recently.

The Princess Road has other monuments to the memory of the royal family. The Cheluvamba Mansion (CFTRI), built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV for the third Princess Cheluvajammanni, Vani Vilasa Water Works, another century-old gift to the people of Mysuru by Maharani Kempananjammanni of Vani Vilasa during her reign, and Cheluvamba Park add to the history of this heritage road. 

On this road are the pioneering Akashvani (All India Radio) and houses of leading personalities, like eminent epigraphist M.H. Krishna and renowned economist M.H. Gopal, who brought fame and honour to the city and the bungalow where Prof. Gopalaswamy launched the Akashvani. 

Every landmark on this century past Princess Road has a legacy to cherish. Princess Road brings back the memory of these institutions and bungalows, their history and contribution to the city, and this name is being consigned to oblivion.

One is not against naming a road in honour of our Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, recognising his long public life, but it is erasing the historical past of the Princess Road.

Our heritage is our pride, to protect it is our duty.

– Gouri Satya, Sr. Journalist ,  Blackburn Road, Glen Waverley Melbourne, Australia 26.12.2024

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to [email protected]