Work on installing the statue of the last ‘maharaja’ of Mysuru Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar at Hardinge Circle seems to have gathered momentum with the government planning to unveil it before Dasara celebrations begin on October 13.
Minister in-charge of Mysuru district V. Srinivas Prasad said the district administration was planning to make the statue which will be installed within a grand mantapa built in Indo-Saracenic style, a showpiece for Dasara visitors.
The statue of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, which will be in line with those of his predecessors (Chamaraja Wadiyar at Chamaraja Circle outside Mysuru palace; and Krishnaraja Wadiyar at K.R. Circle), will be sculpted complete with his royal gown and famous turban, the Minister said.
The statue will be north facing. But, in view of the alignment of the six roads emanating from the Circle, the statue will not face the road directly. So, authorities are planning to erect a theme-based attraction towards the north of the statue.
“Talks are under way with urban experts to have either a piece of art or a waterfall to capture the attention of the tourists,” an official said.
Meanwhile, MCC Commissioner C.G. Betsurmath said the contractor had been asked to complete the work in three months.
Hardinge Circle, one of the busiest junctions, also falls in the core heritage zone, leading to Mysuru palace and the Dasara exhibition grounds. The Circle, which will be renamed Sir Jayachamarajendra Circle, is situated on Bengaluru-Nilgiri Road.
