Suresh Jayaram's latest book offers a unique exploration of Cubbon Park, not as a mere geographical landmark, but as a living entity woven into the fabric of Bengaluru's collective memory. Titled after the park itself, the work delves into the historical, ecological, and emotional dimensions of this iconic green space through the lens of its most vital component: its people.
A Citizen-Centric Narrative
Unlike conventional histories that focus on colonial origins or administrative developments, Jayaram's narrative is built around oral histories, personal anecdotes, and archival photographs contributed by ordinary citizens. The book captures how generations of Bengalureans have interacted with the park—from morning walkers and yoga enthusiasts to birdwatchers, artists, and protesters. Each chapter unfolds a different facet of the park's identity, shaped by those who have found solace, inspiration, or community within its boundaries.
Historical Layers Unveiled
The book traces Cubbon Park's evolution from its establishment in 1870 under British commissioner Sir Mark Cubbon to its present role as a contested public space. Jayaram highlights lesser-known episodes, such as the park's use as a venue for early Kannada literary gatherings, its transformation during the post-independence era, and recent battles against commercialization. Archival maps and photographs reveal how the park's landscape has changed over decades, while interviews with long-time visitors bring to life the sounds, smells, and sights that have defined each era.
Ecological and Social Significance
Beyond history, the book emphasizes the park's ecological importance as a lung space in a rapidly concretizing city. It documents the diverse flora and fauna that thrive within its 300 acres, from ancient banyan trees to migratory birds. Simultaneously, it examines the park's social role as a democratic space where people from all walks of life converge. Chapters on the 'Kempambudhi' lake revival and the 'Cubbon Park Walkers' Association' illustrate how citizen activism has shaped the park's preservation.
Personal Stories as Pillars
Jayaram's approach is deeply personal. He includes his own childhood memories of visiting the park, alongside contributions from artists who have sketched its vistas, musicians who have performed at its bandstand, and activists who have fought to keep it free of encroachments. One poignant section features a retired schoolteacher who has visited the park daily for 40 years, documenting seasonal changes in a handwritten journal. These narratives transform the book into a collective biography of a city's relationship with its green heart.
Relevance in Contemporary Bengaluru
In an era when Bengaluru's green cover is shrinking, the book serves as a timely reminder of what is at stake. Jayaram does not shy away from addressing threats such as the proposed metro line through the park or the pressure to host commercial events. However, he balances this with stories of resilience, highlighting community efforts that have successfully thwarted such plans. The book concludes with a call to action, urging citizens to reclaim their role as stewards of this shared heritage.
Published by a local press, the book features over 200 illustrations, including vintage postcards, newspaper clippings, and contemporary photographs. Jayaram, an art historian and curator, spent three years gathering material, conducting over 150 interviews, and sifting through archives. The result is a rich tapestry that positions Cubbon Park not as a static monument, but as a dynamic, living archive of Bengaluru's past, present, and future.
