Indian politics has always been an interesting sector since the times of the British. Before Independence also there were different political groups with varied ideologies. This has always been the interesting thing that binds together the complete country politically as well as socially. The British understood the Indian mindset very well and thus were able to rule the country for a very long duration. After Indian achieved its Independence, the British influence was heavily laid on the Architecture of the country as well which is carried still today in bits and parts. One such modern example is Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.
The British were very well known for the construction of Public and Government buildings. The buildings reflected their power and supremacy with their monumentality and grandeur in design and execution. A modern reflection of the interpretation of these philosophies and principles can be seen in Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. As the name translates, it literally means Golden Legislative Assembly which embarks the power of the government through it. Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is the Legislative Assembly building of Karnataka state located in Belgavi, Dist. Belgaum, and Karnataka.
This massive building houses different types of activities associated with the state Legislative Assembly of Karnataka State Government. The campus of this massive building stretches across 127 acres of land situated near to Bangalore-Mumbai Highway. The building is approached by lush green gardens with a beautiful landscape all around that perfectly complements the white color of the building making it an attraction point of the region. The building has been a landmark since its existence and enhanced the nearby development. The structure is a part of Bengaluru city adding a dimension to the growth as a capital of the state.
The huge flock of stairs at the entrance makes it grander and gives a sense of strength and power. As the façade approaches, an inscription by the famous 12th Century Poet Basavanna is clearly seen on the face that says “Kayalave Kailas” which translates ‘Work is Worship’. The elevation of the building has a rhythmic pattern of windows that is an evident feature of many government buildings in India.
The design of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is influenced by British, Indo-Islamic, and Dravidian Style of Architecture which is the main context of the region. Another major attraction of the structure is the National Emblem ‘Ashoka Chakra’ that sits atop the central dome of the building. All these elements make this structure an iconic building in Indian Political History.
The assembly building has different types of spaces within. Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is a four-story structure constructed out of Bangalore granite majorly. There are legislative assembly chambers in different wings with a central hall, chambers, meeting and conference halls, banquet halls, accommodation block, etc. The total capacity of the building is 300 users. The standard of service provided at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is not less than that of a 5star luxury hotel. With all such world-class facilities and amenities, it is the largest legislative assembly building in India.
This iconic building was inaugurated by Former President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee in the year 2012. The original proposal dates back to 1951 when the foundation stone was laid by PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Later, during the time of CM Kumaraswamy, the work gained momentum and was finally completed in 2012. There have been many controversies and criticism associated with this significant building over many years. This contemporary example is living evidence of strong and bold statement design in the postmodern era in India much after Independence.
