Vizag Taj Mahal turns 100

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, July 10: The monument which vizagites labeled as "Vizag Taj Mahal", completed 100 years on Friday. Most of the Vizagites are not aware of the history of the monument but they all call it as Vizag Taj Mahal. Constructed in soft Lime stone this elegant structure is a fine example of architectural marvel that is very unique and amalgum of architecture from across the globe. Mainly consisting of two blocks, the style of architecture and stone carving is very distinct from each other. Known as symbol of love, the Kurupam Monument stands testimony to a wonderful era of the Kurupam royalties. Raja Vairicharla Veerbhadra Raja Bahadur constructed the monument in memory of her beloved wife Princess Lakshmi Narasaiyyamma. The princes and the Raja sahib were married in 1895 and this compounded comprising the monument had beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountain in it. This the place the lovely relationship between the two royalties got manifested in a physical form that has withstood the testimony of time over a 100 years now.The monument also stands as a testimony to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the period. It took six long years to construct this monument which according to the inscriptions on the walls, was completed in 1904-5. The dome of the front pavilion has a bit of Mughal influence where as the entrance archway depicted carvings of oriental style. The walls of the monument are decorated with carvings depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Some of the carvings also depict different postures of dance forms of traditional style of this region.After the death of the queen in 1908 the monument was dedicated to the memory of the queen and became to be known as "Prema Nivedana Rupam". But the agony is that no one is there to take care of this great monument which has a great history. Municipal Corporation of Visakhaptnam was maintaining the monument till three years back. But it miserably failed to do that. The INTACH of Visakhaptnam came forward to restore the monument in scientific way spending 12 to 15 Lakhs. But it has been not looked after. INTACH is ready to takeover the monument and wanted to develop the place as a beautiful park with a under ground hall where a permanent exhibition will be conducted depicting the other heritage monuments of Visakhaptnam and brief history of this monument."Most of the Vizagites do not know what exactly is the monument is, they just say it as Taj Mahal of Visakhapatnam" said G Srinivas Murthy, co-convenor of INTACH