Lost amidst the chaos of everyday city life is a treasure trove of history – Fort High School. The school that proudly boasts alumni of eminent personalities like a former Maharaja of Mysore, political figures and sports personalities, was built in 1907. It is believed that during its formative years, the school offered classes in eight languages.
Like many other schools, the Anglo Vernacular School, as it was then known, was commissioned by the Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. This was just one of the many efforts taken by the Maharaja for the all round development of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom that included Bangalore in those days. The school’s name was later changed to Fort High School, perhaps owing to it being built within the complex of the Bangalore Fort itself.
Even today, a step into the school ground can instantly take you back in time. Built during the time of the British Raj in India, the school reflects a blend of both, ancient Indian and colonial influence in architecture. The school proudly flaunts arched doorways, wooden stairs and fascias, a Madras roof terrace and a courtyard. Over the 100 plus years, weathering and time have had their effect on some parts of the school, though it continues to stand strong.
Restoration work in Fort High School has been undertaken by INTACH – Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage.
The school premises and its architecture:
Built blending both vernacular and colonial styles, Fort High School was constructed in two phases. Built in the phase one was a structure that resembled the letter ‘I’, a structure that continues to form the facade of the school to date. The building at the rear was added later. The platform in front of it is known to have been a later addition.
The pale yellow two-storeyed building is complemented by hues of red. Interestingly, this colour is seen across numerous heritage buildings of old Mysuru. Large arched doorways welcome you and lead you to an open courtyard. Classrooms border the end of this courtyard on two floors.
From the high – ceiling classrooms with Polonceau truss work, to the teak wood stairway, the Jack arch roof, to the Madras Roof Terrace, and the woodwork complemented by ornamental brackets, this school offers a glimpse into the past.
The school building occupies an acre of land, while the playground is spread over another two acres. Many cultural musical concerts including the celebrated 75 year old Ramnavmi Global Musical Festival is held here.
INTACH’s Efforts:
Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage, or INTACH, is an NGO that exists to conserve and preserve unprotected monuments and heritage sites. INTACH has more than 200 plus chapters across the country and its Bengaluru chapter has undertaken the work to restore Fort High School.
While the work involves restoration, special efforts are being made by the team from INTACH to ensure that the building is reinstated to its original pristine state with minimal change. Care is being taken to ensure that most of the original material is reused where possible. This is the case with the tiles as well – 3/4ths of the original tiles are being reused.
Additionally, traditional materials and techniques like lime, sand, food like jaggery, and fruit extracts like bael juice are also being used to retain authenticity. Waterproofing is also one of the major tasks being undertaken by team INTACH. The restoration work is expected to be wrapped up by the end of 2019. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 2.4 crore. While funds were raised by INTACH, the project was funded by Mineral Enterprises.