A Hidden Gem: Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall

Bengaluru: Located inside Cubbon Park, the Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall or the State Central Library is a stunning crimson building. The Memorial Hall began as a public hall but was later converted to a library in 1915, after Sir M Visvesvaraya, the Dewan of Mysore (1912 - 1918), donated it to the State Public Library. The Library boasts an area of 300sq km and functions as the Apex of the Karnataka Public Libraries system, governed by State Library Authority. The Library started with 4750 books and 215 members. The Library was awarded the "Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation Award" for the best state central library in India.

History

The Memorial Hall was constructed in 1908 to honor and remember Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, who served as Mysore State's Dewan from 1883 to 1901. He was often referred as the "maker of modern Bangalore" due to his immense contributions to the state such as extensions to decongest the city, developing Malleshwaram waterworks and Kolar Gold Fields. Richard Sankey, the Chief Engineer of Mysore State, designed the structure. In order to honor Seshadri Iyer's passion for his work, Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, was instrumental in establishing the hall in his honor. The bronze statue of Seshadri Iyer, sculpted by sculptor Robert Colwan, was installed in 1913.

Architecture

The building is a mix of local and European architecture with Tuscan and Corinthian columns which is inspired by Greco-Roman architecture. It is built mostly using lime mortar and bricks. It has a Jack Arch roof architecture. The central portion of this building is elevated as compared to its sides. The library is well lit. It is two stories and arched windows round this section of the hall brings in natural light.

The library houses lakhs of publications including journals, periodicals, newspapers, as well as works in Braille. The State Central Library has no memberships and is a purely reference library.