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Crawford Hall. Univ. of Mysore, frontline.thehindu.com |
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Crawford Hall. Univ. of Mysore, indiatimes.com |
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Col. W.L. Crawford starofmysore. com |
Located in Mysore, the city of palaces, popularly acknowledged as the cultural capital of Karnataka, the university is a popular one among the college students. Crawford Hall, a distinguished landmark in the heritage city of Mysore, stands as a symbol of the city's rich cultural and educational legacy. Serving as the administrative headquarters and the Vice Chancellor’s office of the University of Mysore, this iconic building reflects the vision and foresight of the Wadiyar dynasty, particularly Maharajah Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, who was instrumental in establishing the university in 1916. The institution emerged as a significant milestone in higher education, marking an era where modern education was promoted without compromising traditional values. The Maharajah, supported by luminaries like Dewan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, envisioned a university that would address the challenges posed by reliance on Madras University, laying the foundation for an institution that would thrive for generation
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Col. W.L. Crawford starofmysore. com |
The construction of Crawford Hall began during a transformative period in India’s history, shortly after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 had galvanized the nation’s struggle for independence. Completed in 1947, the year of India's independence, the hall was built at a cost of ₹12 lakh under the architectural guidance of Otto H. Königsberger, a prominent architect affiliated with the Government of Mysore. The building embodies classical European architectural elements, including grand Corinthian columns, intricate mouldings, and Roman arches. A large plaster relief of Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing wisdom and learning, adorns the top of the structure, highlighting the building’s association with education. The design also incorporates balustrades, pierced parapets, and twin Tuscan columns, enhancing its stately appearance. The building's layout, shaped like an “I,” features the octagonal central hall, named Crawford Hall in honor of Lt. Col. W.L. Crawford and his brother C.S. Crawford, who generously donated ₹1 lakh toward its construction. This hall, with a seating capacity of 1,000 and an additional 600 in the balcony, is used for convocations and other important university functions. The building’s majestic presence is accentuated by a sprawling open ground and wide approach roads, adding to its grandeur.
The University of Mysore holds a unique place in India’s educational landscape, being the sixth university established in the country, the second in South Asia, and the first in Karnataka. It was the only institution founded under royal patronage, a testament to the Wadiyar dynasty’s commitment to advancing education. The university’s establishment was guided by extensive research conducted by educationists C.R. Reddy and Thomas Denham, whose recommendations ensured the institution’s emphasis on research and knowledge dissemination. The first Vice-Chancellor, V. Najundaiah, played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s early years.
Over the decades, the university has evolved with the times, embracing modern practices while preserving its historical essence. In 2012, it adopted solar energy to reduce utility costs, extending this initiative to laboratories and other facilities on campus. Rainwater harvesting systems, supported by grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC), have been implemented to meet energy and water needs. These sustainability measures underscore the university's commitment to environmental conservation. Recognized for its academic excellence, the University of Mysore received the prestigious "Institution of Excellence" status from the Union Government in 2008, accompanied by a ₹100-crore grant for research and development. It also earned the “Universities with Potential for Excellence” (UPE) designation in recent years
The university celebrated its centenary in November 2014, marking 100 years of remarkable contributions to education. Its achievements, rooted in the vision of the Wadiyar rulers, continue to inspire. The introduction of Home Guards for campus security in 2011 further highlights the university’s efforts to adapt to contemporary needs. Crawford Hall, a centerpiece of this illustrious institution, stands as a beacon of knowledge, heritage, and progress, embodying the spirit of Mysore as a city that values its past while looking toward the future. .Based on the old post dated July 8 2018