Image Source: Amrut Deshpande
About M. N. Krishna Rao Park
Nestled in the heart of Basavanagudi, one of Bengaluru’s most historic neighbourhoods, M. N. Krishna Rao Park is a 25-acre square-shaped green haven. It stands as both a tribute to Sir M. N. Krishna Rao, a visionary administrator of Mysore state, and as a reminder of Bengaluru’s identity as the Garden City of India. Unlike many other parks, this one holds a unique distinction: it was designed in the 1940s exclusively for women and children, at a time when such safe recreational spaces were rare.
History and Legacy
The park was funded and founded by Sir M. N. Krishna Rao, who served as the acting Dewan of Mysore in 1941. He personally contributed ₹20,000 from his own funds for its construction and laid the foundation stone. Later, an additional ₹15,000 was used to build the Krishna Rao Pavilion, a two-storeyed cultural hub at the park’s centre.
The pavilion was designed by Otto H. Koenigsberger, the Berlin-born chief architect of Mysore state, whose other works include Bal Bhavan and several structures at the Indian Institute of Science. For decades, the pavilion hosted concerts, cultural performances, and community events, though today it remains in a dilapidated condition.
Sir M. N. Krishna Rao’s life reflected both service and humility. His grandson recalls an incident when a security guard, unaware of who he was, denied him entry into the park as it was reserved only for women and children. Instead of asserting his position, he simply smiled and walked away, exemplifying his modest nature.
Attractions and Features
Exclusive Design: The park was pioneering in India for being created specifically for women and children.
Green Cover: Though some greenery has been lost due to urban development (including the construction of an underpass), the park still retains rare and old trees dating back to the 1940s.
Krishna Rao Pavilion: Once a lively center for music and gatherings, it remains a heritage structure, albeit neglected today.
Open Spaces: Wide walking paths, shaded lawns, and a dedicated play area make it a peaceful retreat.
Cultural and Historical Context
Basavanagudi itself was developed as a residential extension after the bubonic plague of 1898. Sir M. N. Krishna Rao’s own bungalow was only the third house to come up in this neighbourhood. The park, envisioned in the following decades, became a social and cultural centre for the community.
Significance Today
Despite urban pressures, M. N. Krishna Rao Park continues to be a vital green lung for South Bengaluru. It is cherished by morning walkers, joggers, yoga enthusiasts, and families. Its legacy as a pioneering space for women and children makes it not just a park but a landmark in Bengaluru’s social history.
Visiting Information
Timings: Open to the public daily; mornings and evenings are most popular.
Entry Fee: Free.
Best For: Families, fitness enthusiasts, and heritage seekers.
Nearby Attractions: Bull Temple, Dodda Ganapathi Temple, and the cultural vibrancy of Basavanagudi.