VIZAG matters - Sohan Hatangadi's Blog

Vizag’s hidden history Sohan Hatangadi Times of India Vizag Edition  21 February 2016 People fascinated by Indian history are familiar with historical facts of several old towns and cities such as Varanasi, Hyderabad, Chennai or Mumbai. While most old Indian cities and towns have interesting past our own Vizag has a secret history that has escaped some of us residing here all our lives. We pass by structures surrounded by buildings as we rush about our work scarcely throwing a glance at those forgotten spots that have played a significant part in Vizag’s past. Tourist brochures convey a simplistic view of Vizag’s history describing it as a “sleepy fishing village” that over time transformed into today’s bustling city. Somehow we visualise a bunch of fisher folk sleeping all day. In fact Vizag has been an important town for many centuries and has witnessed the ebb and tide of rulers, armies, cultures and outstanding men of vision - who slept very little. What’s ...

Dear Friend, From the past two years several representations have been made to our city officials to have this historic heritage school building repaired. Every time the response has been favorable and sympathetic but there has been no forward movement. We all know that our officials are very very busy with  other  matters.  This silly two and half century old building is not a priority for local administration. They have to look after so many important things like visiting and local dignitaries who go around the city with their sirens blaring attending one conference or the other.   Who cares if the historic heritage building falls?  Meanwhile our history is being lost. Now they want to widen the main road to 100 ft from Jagadamba Jn. to Old Post Office. If you remember the historic 1914 King Edward VII Coronation Market ( Kurupam Market ) was brought down by GVMC on 19 Nov 2013 without public consultation, stealthily and overnig...

These are signage references for Vizag Old Town heritage walk signages

Click on this link to see the article in the Times of India Kurupam market vanishes Vizag’s amazing vanishing act 28.11.13 Appeared in the Times of India on 1st December 2013 Sohan Hatangadi Now you see it … now you don’t One night last week, Vizag’s imposing century old lady; the “King Edward VII Market” locally known as the “Kurupam Market” was erased from the face of the Earth. Poof! Like a great magician’s illusion she was gone. Only problem is that unlike an illusion the market was not hidden under a trapdoor or behind a screen, or clouded by smoke and mirrors. It was gone for good! Gone As it was in its heydays The beginning of the end Distraction and disappearance Magicians do their tricks when the audience is distracted, and as Vizag’s population was distracted by cyclones and cricket, a big JCB trundled in like a Jurassic monster and ruthlessly brought the iconic building down in a cloud of dust. Then, just to make sure it there...

It is with great sadness that I inform you that our beloved and historic Kurupam Market gateway towers have been demolished by GVMC last week.  The market was donated by Raja Vyricherla Veerabhadra Raju of Kurupam to the then Vizagapatam Municipality on September 1, 1914, to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. As it was Going Gone I am told that a new building is planned there. Only two weeks ago INTACH had offered to provide expertise to restore the iconic clock tower arch way but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears. It is very unfortunate that this monument was brought down without public consultation. Our uncouth city administration has driven another dagger into our city's rich heritage. No doubt a  monstrosity  will come up at the spot. It will be typical of Vizag's public buildings, no dignity, no class. No doubt that our heritage will die a little more.  One wonders who these ruthless, insensitive and heartless people a...