The Mysore City Corporation (MCC) has resolved to seek opinions from experts of Regional Conservation Laboratory (RCL) in Mysuru over the ‘thin’ cracks noticed on the life-size marble statue of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar installed at K.R. Circle here.
In view of reports that the statue had developed cracks, Commissioner C.G. Betsurmath, who is also the director of Archaeology, Heritage and Museums, on Monday inspected the statue.
“There appears to be some hairline cracks on the face and the sword. This has to be confirmed by experts and conservationists. Therefore, we will be seeking the RCL experts’ advice before going for conservation,” the Commissioner told The Hindu .
Claiming that the MCC had not neglected the statue’s maintenance, Dr. Betsurmath said that climatic conditions also played a role since the statue was exposed to sunlight, wind and dust.
“We only use water and mild cleaning agents to clean the statue. A lot of precautions are taken in cleaning so that the statue does not lose its shine.”
The commissioner said that the corporation will also seek the opinion of sculptors from Sri Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) on the cracks. “There is a solution to seal the cracks that will be explored from the RCL experts.” The statue, in recognition of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s contribution to the State, was unveiled on October 16, 1952.
There another circle in front of the palace where the statue of Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar had been installed. Soon, the statue of the last Maharaja of Mysuru, Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, will be unveiled at Hardinge Circle.
