Devaraja market is one of the oldest markets in the heritage city of Mysuru that was built during the rule of Chamaraja Wodeyar IX with the Indo-Muslim architectural style.
Landscape artist Vishwanath R despised going to the market during his childhood days. “It was always crowded. But later, I started realising the value of the market,” he shares
“It’s the heritage of the people. So, the locals have to first accept and understand the value of a structure,” adds Pankaj Modi, conservation architect in Bengaluru.
The lack of an entry ticket price could be one of the reasons for its neglect, opines Souharda UL a resident of Mysuru. The upkeep of the market has been ignored he adds.
“All the reports by the committees call the structure weak and therefore demand its demolition. But nobody is talking about its value,” laments Pankaj.
While Mysuru awaits the decision from the apex court, the voice of the community is getting louder to save the Devaraja market, because beyond perils lie possibilities.