Malleswaram Unveils Comprehensive Digital Portal Celebrating Local Heritage
The historic Bengaluru locality of Malleswaram now boasts its own dedicated website. This full-fledged digital platform showcases prominent landmarks, heritage buildings, and the rich stories that define the area's unique character. Residents and visitors can explore the locality's identity through this new online resource.
Website Launch and Mobile Accessibility
Architect and long-time resident Suchitra Deep led the launch of Malleswaram.org on January 1st. Suchitra has extensive experience working on urban issues affecting the locality. The website's mobile version went live recently on Thursday. This development enables users to access the platform conveniently on various devices including smartphones and tablets.
Interactive Features and Community Contributions
The website's centerpiece is an interactive map that highlights numerous local features. Users can explore landmarks, heritage buildings, and distinctive Art Deco structures through this digital tool. The platform also presents location-specific oral histories gathered from community members.
A team is currently developing a tree-mapping feature that will soon integrate with the existing map. The oral histories section includes brief write-ups accompanied by photographs. Contributions come from diverse community members including residents, pourakarmikas, vendors, auto drivers, and local businesses. Women-led enterprises receive special representation through distinct icons on the interactive map.
Project Background and Collaborations
Malleswaram.org represents part of a larger project undertaken by Suchitra Deep with funding support from the India Foundation for the Arts. Beyond the website, the initiative involves curating a comprehensive book about the locality. The project represents a collaboration between two organizations: Malleswaram Social, a residents' collective founded by Suchitra, and Sensing Local, an organization focused on urban living issues.
Documentation and conceptual work for both the book and website began in December 2024. Suchitra explained that her core team consists of approximately seven members including a technical adviser who helped build the website and a designer handling artistic elements. She emphasized that contributions came from a wide range of people including architects and participants from Malleswaram heritage walks she organizes.
Visual Design and Local Elements
Architect and illustrator Bhagirathi MK handled the visual design and illustrations for the website. She described Malleswaram as a treasure trove of old buildings, some dating back a century, nestled among trees. "We discovered something new each time we explored the numerous conservancy lanes," Bhagirathi noted.
The design team ensured the website incorporated visual elements that resonate with local residents and trigger memories. They included representations of the railway station, the traditional 'ele oota' practice, and elements reflecting the locality's musical heritage. These features create a visual language that speaks directly to the community.
Community Engagement and Project Philosophy
Ila Deep, who is studying public policy in Berlin, oversaw the project's community engagement efforts. She explained that the original motivation stemmed from a noticeable lack of documentation about Malleswaram. The project aimed to be democratic by enabling community members to contribute their knowledge and stories.
"Various events drove our community engagement efforts," Ila stated. "We organized tree walks and Art Deco walks that brought together long-time residents and other stakeholders. These gatherings provided opportunities for people to share their neighborhood stories and personal experiences."
The website continues to evolve as more community members contribute their knowledge and memories. This digital platform now serves as a living archive of Malleswaram's cultural heritage and community spirit.
