Modern, yet aesthetic; Jayanagar turns 75
The Hindu
Jayanagar, one of the few extensions that stands out for retaining its heritage and aesthetics withstanding development explosion in the city and the largest planned layout in Asia when it was carved out in 1948, celebrated its diamond jubilee on Sunday
Jayanagar, one of the few extensions that stands out for retaining its heritage and aesthetics withstanding development explosion in the city and the largest planned layout in Asia when it was carved out in 1948, celebrated its diamond jubilee on Sunday.
Jayanagar, which was one of the largest layouts formed post Independence, continued the tradition of urban planning, inculcated during the formation of Basavanagudi and Malleswaram, post the Bengaluru plague of 1890s.
The Ashoka pillar that marks the beginning of Jayanagar was built in a record 10 days at a cost of ₹3,000, said Suresh Moona, a city-based amateur historian. The pillar is now a landmark for the entire city.
The unveiling of the pillar on August 20, 1948, by then Governor-General of India C. Rajagopalachari, also marked the inauguration of the Jayanagar extension that has 10 blocks. The extension was built by R. Madhavan, then Chief Engineer of the City Improvement Trust Board (CITB). The Madhavan park was named in honour of the same engineer.
Architect Naresh Narasimhan said the design for the extension was prepared by German architect Otto Koenigsberger, who was Chief Architect and Planner of State of Mysore in the mid 1940s.
Although the extension was formed two years after independence, the area witnessed a swift growth after the BDA built a commercial complex in 1976.
The layout had a geographical advantage of having two arterial roads - Bannerghatta Road and Kanakapura Road - on either side. This ensures most of the through traffic doesn’t enter the area, which has helped it to retain its charm, Mr. Narasimhan said.