They came. They saw and they conquered. But ironically, the conquests and achievements of many great people are only but a memory. People rise and people fall. Only their memories remain buried in the annals of history. However, some are more fortunate and are remembered better – thanks to monuments and places named after them or in this case – having a statue erected for them.
The city of Bangalore boasts an array of interesting statues of phenomenal people and one of the prime locations to spot them is the historic Cubbon Park. The large lung-space in the heart of the city bears testament to five of the most remarkable personalities to have etched a mark in Bangalore and India’s histories. With a history of its own – the park is home to the statues of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, Rajya Dhurandhara Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer and Sri. Chamarajendra Wodeyar.
The Queen Victoria statue welcomes visitors to the park near the corner of Mahatma Gandhi Circle. Sculpted by Thomas Brock in England and shipped to India in 1905, the 11-foot statue was inaugurated by George Frederick Ernest Albert, the Prince of Wales (later King George V), on February 5, 1906. The Queen, who used the additional title of Empress of India, is the most notable sight in the garden.
A noble tribute to the member of the royal family of Great Britain to hold the prestigious crown for the longest time from the age of 18 for almost 64 years, the statue has the Queen holding a scroll and an orb. Alexandrina Victoria was given the title Empress of India after the dissolution of the East India Company following which she took reign of the administration of the subcontinent. Marked for restoration, the statue has a finger missing while the orb has lost its cross.
On the other corner of Queen’s park is the King Edward VII statue. Often ignored due to the stagnating Metro construction that has overridden the park’s beauty, the statue of the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India between 1901 and 1910, lies neglected in a layer of dust and dirt. The statue was unveiled by Frederic John Napier Baron Chelmsford, the Viceroy and Governor General of India, in November 1919.
The bearded king, who was responsible for modernisation of the British Home Fleet and reorganisation of the British Army, was known to be a peacemaker. But with the World War I beginning just four years after his death, many believe the Germans paranoia increased because of the British King’s massive transformation of the forces. He toured the subcontinent while being the Prince of Wales in 1875 but King Edward VII never visited India after he took over the throne. His short reign and subsequent passing over of the mantle to his second son George V saw only a time of peace, often credited to be the golden age for the upper class in Europe and America. He was also one of the first Kings to become social with people believing in the seeing and being seen by the people.
The statue of Major General Sir Mark Cubbon adorns the terrace garden and is part of the Karnataka High Court. The British Army officer who became the British Commissioner of Mysore state moved the capital from Mysore to Bangalore and is respected for creating a prosperous government here. The statue of Sir Cubbon seated on a horse was unveiled by the Commissioner of Mysore Lewin Bowring.
A fading tribute to these foreigners who left a lasting impression on the destiny of the country, these statues may not stand the test of time, but they will remain in the weathered memories of Bangalore’s residents.
