INTRODUCTION
The Dufferin Clock Tower, also known as Chikkagadiyara or Little Clock is a celebrated heritage landmark in Mysore. Located near Devaraja Market close to KR Circle, this clock tower stands as a testament to Mysore's colonial history and the cordial relations between the Wadiyars and the British during the princely state era.
HISTORY
Commissioned in 1886 by Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the clock tower commemorates the ceremonial visit of Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888, who was the first British Viceroy to make a friendly visit to Mysore. The Wadiyars, ruling with the oversight of the Viceroy, sought to maintain favorable ties with British officials, often hosting dignitaries to strengthen diplomatic relations. The Dufferin Clock Tower was built during
LOCATION
The Chikka Gadiyara, or small clock tower, is a prominent historical structure located in the old city of Mysore, Karnataka, commissioned by the Wadiyar rulers of Mysore to honor Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. Lord Dufferin was the first Viceroy to make a ceremonial visit to Mysore in 1886, an event marked by the
RENOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
In 2012, the
URBAN ELEMENTS
The square surrounding Chikka Gadiyara includes several urban elements:
Clock Tower: Centrally positioned and built in Indo-Saracenic style.
Fountain: Surrounds the clock tower, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Stage/Platform: Located on one side of the square, this platform serves as a venue for public events.
Seating and Planters: Seating areas and planters are dispersed around the square, providing rest areas and greenery. Lighting: Lighting poles around
Based on the traffic survey conducted to analyze transportation counts at Devraj Market and its impact on Chikka Gadiayara (Public Square), the data revealed the following patterns:
The highest outflow movement was observed for two-wheelers, with 383 in the afternoon and 297 in the evening, while the total inflow was 245.
Four-wheelers showed a higher inflow than outflow in the evening, with 274 recorded inflows.
Heavy vehicles and goods transport were more prevalent in the morning, whereas carts were predominantly used for outflow movements.
The square serves as a peaceful seating area for locals in the morning, with vendors stationed along the road edges.
In the evening, it transforms into a bustling market as vendors use the seating area to showcase and sell their goods.
College students contribute to the vibrancy by performing street plays on social issues, creating awareness among the public.
On National Youth Day, students from Chayadevi B.Ed College, Pensioners Block, Rajendranagar, marked Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary by enacting impactful street plays on societal challenges.
Popular times to visit the public square.
During the festival season, the public square near Chikka Gadiyara becomes a bustling epicenter of activity, with vibrant decorations and lively crowds gathering to celebrate. However, the surge in visitors often leads to significant traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, making navigation challenging. The situation is further exacerbated by occasional rains, which not only add to the chaos but also create difficulties for both pedestrians and vehicles, amplifying the festive hustle and bustle.
1.High
5.Insufficient greenery and shaded areas for public comfort in the realm.
6.High levels of noise from traffic and commercial activities disrupt the public experience.
7.Minimal efforts to preserve the historical significance of the clock tower in the urban landscape.
INFERENCES
1.Prioritizing pedestrians through dedicated walkways, crossings, and traffic calming measures can enhance safety and accessibility.
2.Organized vending zones can balance economic activities and public movement.
3.Adding landscaping, shaded areas, and urban furniture can improve the microclimate and user comfort.
4.Educating users about the space’s heritage and importance can encourage better usage and upkeep.
5.Establishing a sustainable maintenance plan can improve the area’s visual and functional appeal.
6.Introducing regulated parking zones and enhancing public transportation connections can reduce traffic bottlenecks.
