A Philanthropic Gift

This stately building was originally the private residence of HV Nanjundiah, the first Vice Chancellor of Mysore University and founder of the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. HV Nanjundaiah (1860-1920) was among the eminent residents of Malleswaram. His house was a lovely stone mansion built in the style of those times and stood within extensive grounds. Accounts show that Nanjundaiah’s was a very large family and the house was filled with people. When he passed away, the house was inherited by some of his children and later sold to the government to open the girl's high school. The school started functioning from these premises in the 1920s after his passing away.

Architectural Character

The building is a beautiful stone structure and showcases traditional architectural features of its time. It is a two-storied structure using stone and lime mortar. Its design is characterized by a Madras terrace roof, distinctive chajjas (overhanging eaves), and elegant stone parapets, reflecting the architectural sensibilities of early 20th-century residential construction. From the style of the building, it can be inferred that it is at least 100 years old. Mangalore tiles from the roof are dated to 1886, which were made by the Basel Mission. The windows have a double shutter, some with louvers and some with fixed glass. There is embellishment around them, with capitals featuring different ornamentations.

It is evident that the front block that rises to two stories was built in one era and the back portion which holds a courtyard was built in another era due to the difference in style. The courtyard is a beautiful space that serves multiple functions, bringing in ample light and ventilation into the surrounding spaces. The first floor has a large hall with a high lofty gable roof. Star-shaped rose windows have been fitted on both ends. The floor has been laid with imported Italian tile mosaic.

Growth and Evolution

Over the years, the campus has seen many changes. The number of students enrolling in the school grew enormously, and new buildings had to be constructed to accommodate the growing student population. The school was also divided into a primary and middle school, high school, and pre-university college, each occupying various parts of the campus. The old building could not provide the necessary spaces for the school's functioning. It is presently undergoing renovation and will be repurposed to serve a new purpose.