Attara Kacheri

Attara Kacheri, the majestic Karnataka High Court is an exquisite 19th century stone edifice resplendent in vibrant red that depicts the magnificent Greco-Roman style architecture. Of late Attara Kacheri has frequently captured the newspaper headlines that had articles describing the heroic efforts of M. Bhaktavatsala and his companions in their efforts to save the historical building.

Attara Kacheri is strategically sited at a distance of 2 km from Bangalore’s popular MG Road is situated amidst the lush greenery of Cubbon Park and opposite Vidhana Soudha. The building’s vibrant red hues beautifully complement the pristine whiteness of Vidhana Soudha.

Attara Kacheri is an aesthetically appealing and elegant two-storied building replete with Corinthian columns. The building came in to being in the year 1864 and housed the Public Offices from 1868 until 1956. Eventually Attara Kacheri became the state’s high Court while the Public Offices were relocated to Vidhana Soudha. The building pays a tribute to the erstwhile Commissioner of Mysore, Sir Mark Cubbon and houses his portraits as well as commemorative epitaphs sculpted by Baron Marochetti.

The etymological significance of Attara Kacheri locally means “eighteen offices” and was formerly identified as the Old Public Offices since it comprised of the general evenue and secretariat of the State government. The construction of this stately edifice incurred an expenditure of Rs. 4.5 lakhs and was built under the supervision of Rao Bahadur Arcot Narayanaswamy Mudaliar. The eighteen core departments of Tipu Sultan’s government expanded to such heights that it became imperative to construct a new building that would contain the Revenue and General Secretariat. This building was none other than the celebrated Attara Kacheri.

Attara Kacheri radiant in its vibrant hues boasts of Karnataka’s history from the glorious days of Tipu Sultan’s reign and hence is one of Bangalore’s most popular tourist spots.