Statues are one way of preserving memories for posterity. However, we have also heard of how statues have run into all kinds of rows in the recent times, and even more bizarre is how individuals themselves have made sure their statues are instated during their lifetime!
Bangalore, like any other city, has its share of statues of people who are important not just to the city and State, but also of those who have historical significance. The very first statue that was erected in the city was that of Sir Mark Cubbon in 1868, who was appointed commissioner of Mysore and Coorg in 1831. The elegantly-sculpted equestrian statue which stands before Atara Kutcheri (High Court Complex) was unveiled by L.B. Bowring in March, 1868 (T.P. Issar in is City is Beautiful quotes from the newspaper Bangalore Standard which covered the unveiling ceremony), the commissioner who was successor to Cubbon.
When Cubbon was made Commissioner, the offices had been shifted from Mysore into the former palace of Tipu Sultan in Bangalore.
Cubbon was a committed and visionary commissioner who had great attachment to the Mysore state. In fact, the Mysore kings shared a warm and cordial relationship with Cubbon, and he was greatly respected for his style of administration. During his time, Kannada was the administrative language in Mysore state and all government orders, rules and regulations, advertisements and circulars were in Kannada. The citizens had been given the powers to approach the commissioner directly to lodge their complaint against officers in government bodies.
Among Cubbon’s numerous achievements was the laying of a railway line to Jolarpet. It not only strengthened trade, but it was also the reason for bringing Tamil speaking population into Bangalore.
He held the post till 1960, and during this period even the first war of Independence was fought. With the assistance of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, Cubbon made sure the affairs of Mysore state was under control. When the British administration decided to shift the centre of administration to Madras, Cubbon wrote a very strong letter to the High Commission and even put in his resignation. On reading his letter, the proposal was withdrawn with which he resumed duties. However, Cubbon fell ill in 1861 and headed back to England. He was so ill that he could not even visit Mysore before he left for Madras where he boarded the ship. He died on the way at Suez. His co-passenger Campbell carried his body to his hometown, Isle of Man, and his funeral took place with the help of Col. Haynes and Col. Mcquin.
In memory of this great man who worked tirelessly for the state of Mysore and Bangalore city, a part of the old pete area has been named Cubbon Pete, the road beginning at Victoria Statue is called Cubbon Road, and the original Meade’s Park was named Cubbon Park. When Chamarajendra Wadiyar passed away in 1894, a portion of the park was called Chamarajendra Park, but for Bangaloreans it continues to remain Cubbon Park.
Among the four equestrian statues in Bangalore (the other three are of Chamarajendra Wadiyar in Lalbagh, Shivaji statue atop Shivaji Talkies, and Shivaji Statue in Bhashyam Park), Cubbon’s statue is first rate. Made by an Italian sculptor Baron Charles Marochetti who was famous for his public monuments in England, and a favourite of Queen Victoria, this bronze piece was shipped all the way from England. In fact, it was made with public donations from people of both Indian and England, and the highest donation of Rs. 10,000 came from Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.
For the unveiling function General Haynes and Judicial Commissioner of Mysore, C.B. Saunders were present. It was one of the first unveiling ceremonies to be photographed and Major Dickson and Barton were the photographers who covered the event.
In the recent years, the statue had been damaged by anti-social elements and ever since, as per High Court order, one cannot go anywhere close to the statue. You can stand at a distance, marvel at this great man and the man who gave him life through his sculpture.
