To mark India's 79th Independence Day,the Horticulture Department has picked the Western Ganga dynasty as theme for Lalbagh's flower show,set for August 6 to 17. This annual display will spotlight the historical weight of the Western Gangas,who dominated southern Karnataka between 350 CE and 1000 CE.
M. Jagadeesh,Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), explained the theme choice. The department pitched about 20 ideas to officials,including the Chief Minister's Office,which settled on the Western Gangas. Jagadeesh said, "We had sent around 20 options to the concerned officials and the Chief Minister’s Office. Among them,we have been directed to showcase the history of the Western Ganga dynasty."
To craft an informative exhibit, the department tapped historians and academics,including the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi . This collaboration ensures the floral displays truly reflect dynasty’s legacy. Jagadeesh stressed the research's importance: "To gather information on the Western Gangas, our team has contacted various historians,academics,and the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi."
A standout feature will be a model of Ganga-era architecture inside the Glass House, depicting key rulers,their capitals,and notable temples like those in Talakad . Paintings and artifacts from the time will also be on display.
The Western Gangas are famed for their architectural feats,like Bahubali statue and Shravanabelagola monuments,carved during their rule. They also focused on irrigation,building embankments along the Cauvery River and developing canals to boost agriculture. Jagadeesh noted, "They also gave special priority to irrigation. Various embankments on the Cauvery River were built by them, and they arranged for water to be channeled through canals to agricultural fields."
Looking ahead,the Horticulture Department plans to explore other ancient dynasties in future shows. Potential themes include Kadambas, Cholas, Chalukyas,Hoysalas,and Rashtrakutas, broadening the historical narrative for visitors. As the flower show nears, anticipation grows for this vibrant celebration of Karnataka's heritage…
