0 Sir M Visvesvaraya Smaraka, Muddenhalli

August 14, 2012


After exploring the ruins of Varlakonda fort we drive towards Muddenhalli the birth place of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visveswaraiah popularly known as Sir MV. That's Skandagiri, as seen from a spot near Muddenhalli.

A stone plaque near Sir MV's Samadhi.

Sir MV was born on September 15, 1860. His birthday is is celebrated as Engineer's Day in India. He was 101 years when he died on April 14, 1962 at Bangalore. Sir MV memorial is managed by Visvesvaraya National Memorial Trust.

Sir M V's contributions to India are numerous; the most popular one being Krishna Raja Sagar dam near Mysore. Sir M V not only an engineer but also a scholar, statesman and Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.

This two floor house was constructed by Sir M V. Presently it houses State Bank of Mysore (SMB), Muddenhalli branch. SBM was established by Sir M V.

Within the same compound is Sir M V's ancestral house a tiled roof structure. A part of the house- Sir M V's living room -is open to public viewing between 11AM and 5PM.

Exhibits includes Sir M V's awards, titles and personal belongings such as his cot, bed, spectacles, cups, copy of Webster's dictionary, his visiting card printing block among several other things.  Photography within the compound is not allowed. For the first time I saw India's most prestigious medal Bharat Ratna here.

From here I proceed to Nandi Halli. On the outskirts of the village Sudhakar the cab driver insists that I see the big Nandi about 3 kms away. This Nandi is big but its smaller than Nandis of Basavangudi, Chamundi Betta and Lepakshi.

A 10 minute stop here, then we proceed to Bhoganandishwara temple in Nandi Halli.

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