Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was a renowned Indian civil engineer, administrator, and statesman. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of modern India.

M. Visvesvaraya

Visvesvaraya was born in 1861 in Muddenahalli, a village in the Kolar district of Karnataka. He studied engineering at the College of Engineering, Pune, and graduated in 1883. After graduation, he worked as a civil engineer for the government of British India. He rose through the ranks and eventually became the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department in Bombay.

In 1902, Visvesvaraya was appointed Diwan of Mysore, a position he held until 1918. During his tenure as Diwan, he oversaw a period of rapid development in Mysore. He is credited with building the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India. He also founded several industries in Mysore, including the Mysore Soap Factory and the Mysore Iron and Steel Works.

After his retirement as Diwan, Visvesvaraya continued to work as an engineer and administrator. He also wrote several books on engineering and management. In 1955, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India.

Early Life

M. Visvesvaraya, whose full name is Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, was a renowned Indian engineer, statesman, and scholar. He was born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli, a village in the Kingdom of Mysore, which is now part of the Chikkaballapura district in Karnataka, India. His family belonged to the Telugu Brahmin community and had originally hailed from Mokshagundam, a village in present-day Andhra Pradesh. The migration of his ancestors to the Kingdom of Mysore occurred around three centuries before Visvesvaraya's birth.

Visvesvaraya received his early education in Bangalore. After completing his primary education, he pursued higher studies and obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Madras. Later, he attended the College of Engineering in Pune (then known as the College of Science at the University of Bombay) and graduated as a civil engineer, earning a Diploma in Civil Engineering (DCE).

During his time at the College of Engineering in Pune, Visvesvaraya became associated with the Deccan Club, a prominent social club in Pune. He served as its first secretary, which allowed him to interact with influential individuals like Sir R. G. Bhandarkar, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, who were also members of the club.

Career

Visvesvaraya was a brilliant engineer and statesman who made significant contributions to the development of India. He began his career as a civil engineer with the Government of Bombay Presidency, where he worked on a variety of projects, including the construction of dams, canals, and roads. He later worked in other British-held colonies in the Middle East, and then for the Nizam of Hyderabad.

In 1912, Visvesvaraya was appointed Diwan of Mysore, a position he held until 1918. During his tenure as Diwan, he oversaw the development of a number of important projects, including the Krishnarajasagara Dam, the Mysore Soap Factory, and the Bangalore Agricultural University. He also played a key role in the industrialization of Mysore.

After his retirement from the government, Visvesvaraya continued to work as an engineer and statesman. He served as the chairman of the Indian Irrigation Commission and the Indian Industrial Commission, and he was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1955.

Engineering career

Sir M. Visvesvaraya, an eminent Indian engineer, made significant contributions to the field of engineering and infrastructure development during the British colonial era in India. His engineering career spanned several prestigious roles and projects:

Assistant Engineer at Public Works Department, Bombay Presidency (1885): Visvesvaraya started his engineering career as an assistant engineer at the Public Works Department in Bombay (now Mumbai).
Indian Irrigation Commission (1899): Visvesvaraya was invited to join the Indian Irrigation Commission, where he played a crucial role in implementing an intricate irrigation system in the Deccan Plateau. He also designed and patented a system of automatic weir water floodgates. These gates were first installed at the Khadakvasla Dam near Pune in 1903 and later replicated at the Tigra Dam in Gwalior and the KRS Dam in Mysore (now Karnataka).
Chief Engineer of Laxmi Talav Dam (before 1908): He served as the chief engineer of the Laxmi Talav Dam near Kolhapur.
Water Supply and Drainage Systems in Aden (around 1906/1907): The Government of British India sent Visvesvaraya to the British Colony of Aden (present-day Yemen) to study and implement water supply and drainage systems, which were successfully executed.
Flood Protection System for Hyderabad (after 1908): Following his voluntary retirement in 1908, Visvesvaraya worked on flood protection measures for Hyderabad, a city constantly threatened by the Musi River. He became known for his flood protection system design.
Protection of Visakhapatnam Port from Sea Erosion (after 1908): He also played a significant role in developing a system to protect Visakhapatnam port from sea erosion.
Chief Engineer of Mysore State (November 1909): At the invitation of Dewan Sir V.P. Madhava Rao, Visvesvaraya joined as the Chief Engineer of Mysore State. He was responsible for the construction of the famous Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam near Mysore.
Chairman of the Board of Engineers for Tungabhadra Dam (Hospet, Karnataka): Visvesvaraya served as the chairman of the board of engineers for the construction of the Tungabhadra Dam in Hospet, Karnataka.

Premiership

During his premiership, which lasted nearly seven years until 1918, he made significant contributions to the development of the Kingdom of Mysore. Some of his notable achievements during his tenure as Dewan include:

Establishment of Factories and Institutions: Visvesvaraya, with the support of the Maharaja, played a key role in founding various factories and institutions in Mysore. Some of these include the Mysore Soap Factory, Parasitoid Laboratory, Mysore Iron & Steel Works in Bhadravathi, Bangalore Polytechnic (now Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic Bangalore), and others.
Educational Institutions: He was instrumental in founding educational institutions such as the Bangalore Agricultural University, Government Engineering College (now University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering), and more. These institutions played a crucial role in the development of technical education in India.
Banking and Commerce: Visvesvaraya's efforts also led to the establishment of the State Bank of Mysore, Mysore Chamber of Commerce (now Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry), and Mysore Apex Chamber of Commerce (now Apex Chamber of Karnataka).
Infrastructure Development: He commissioned the construction of several new railway lines in Mysore Railways, which later became part of the Southwestern Indian Railways. Additionally, he was involved in planning the construction of a road between Tirumala and Tirupati.
Private Investment in Industry: Visvesvaraya encouraged private investment in industrial development during his time as Dewan, fostering economic growth in the region.
Technical Advice: Even in his old age, Visvesvaraya provided valuable technical advice, including contributing to the location selection for the Mokama Bridge over the Ganga in Bihar.

Career timeline

1885: Assistant Engineer in Bombay.
Served in Nasik, Khandesh (mainly in Dhule), and Pune.
1894: Services lent to the Municipality of Sukkur, Sind, where they designed and carried out waterworks for the municipality.
1896: Executive Engineer in Surat.
1897-1899: Assistant Superintending Engineer in Pune.
1898: Visited China and Japan.
1899: Executive Engineer for Irrigation in Pune.
1901: Sanitary Engineer in Bombay and became a member of the Sanitary Board. Gave evidence before the Indian Irrigation Commission.
1903: Designed and constructed automatic gates patented by them at Lake Fife Storage Reservoir. Introduced a new system of irrigation known as the "Block System."
1904: Represented the Bombay Government at the Simla Irrigation Commission.
1905: On special duty.
1907: Became Superintending Engineer.
1908: Visited Egypt, Canada, the United States, and Russia.
1909: Retired from British Service.
1909: Appointed as Chief Engineer and Secretary to the Government of Mysore.
1913: Became the Dewan of Mysore, responsible for the Public Works Department and Railway.
1927-1955: Served on the Board of Directors of Tata Steel.

Awards and honors

Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) - 1911: Awarded by King Edward VII.
Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) - 1915: Knighted by King George V for his contributions to the public good while serving as the Dewan of Mysore.
Bharat Ratna - 1955: India's highest civilian honor, awarded to Visvesvaraya after India gained independence.
Honorary Membership from the Institution of Civil Engineers, London: Recognition for his exceptional contributions to the field of civil engineering.
Fellowship from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore: Acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the institution and the field of science.
Honorary degrees: Received D.Sc., LL.D., and D.Litt. from eight universities in India, highlighting his expertise and accomplishments.
President of the 1923 session of the Indian Science Congress: Recognized for his leadership and contributions to the scientific community.

Recognition

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU): The university, located in Belagavi, Karnataka, India, which affiliates most engineering colleges in Karnataka, was named in his honor.
Prominent Engineering Colleges: Several esteemed engineering colleges were named after him, such as University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering in Bangalore, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology in Bangalore, and Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology in Nagpur.
Visvesvaraya Hostel, IIT (BHU) Varanasi: A hostel at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi was named after him to acknowledge his contributions.
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: Located in Bangalore, this museum was established to commemorate his work and contributions to the industrial and technological fields.
Statue at College of Engineering, Pune: His alma mater, the College of Engineering in Pune, erected a statue in his honor, further recognizing his achievements.
Metro Stations: Two metro stations in India were named after him, one in Bangalore on the Purple Line (Sir M. Visveshwaraya Station, Central College), and another one in Delhi on the Pink Line (Sir Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh).

Memorial at Muddenahalli

The Visvesvaraya National Memorial Trust takes care of this memorial site, which is located at Sir M. Visvesvaraya's birthplace in Muddenahalli. The memorial showcases various aspects of his life and achievements. Visitors can explore his awards, titles, and personal belongings, which include items like his living room setup, spectacles, cups, books, and even the block used to print his visiting cards.

As part of the exhibition, models of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam are also displayed. This dam is one of the most notable engineering projects designed and supervised by Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The dam, built across the Kaveri River, played a crucial role in irrigation and water management in the region.

Additionally, the memorial site is situated adjacent to Sir M. Visvesvaraya's house, which has been refurbished. Locals hold this house in high regard and consider it a shrine due to its association with the great engineer and statesman.

Works

"Reconstructing India" (1920): This book likely discusses the challenges and strategies for rebuilding India during that time, which was still under British colonial rule. It might offer insights into economic, industrial, and infrastructural development plans.
"Planned Economy for India" (1936): This work could be about advocating for a planned economic system in India, with a focus on industrialization, infrastructure development, and economic planning.
"Memories of My Working Life" (1951): This book may provide autobiographical accounts of Sir M. Visvesvaraya's life, experiences, and contributions to the development of India.
"Unemployment in India; Its Causes and Cure" (1932): This work likely addresses the issue of unemployment in India during that period and proposes potential solutions to tackle the problem.
"Speeches" (1917): This could be a collection of speeches given by M. Visvesvaraya, where he might have addressed various issues related to India's development, progress, and socio-economic challenges.

FAQ

What was Visvesvaraya famous for?

His work as a civil engineer: Visvesvaraya was a highly accomplished civil engineer. He designed and constructed many important projects, including the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, the Tungabhadra Dam, and the Khadakvasla Dam. He also developed a number of innovative engineering solutions, such as the Block System, which is a system of automatic weir water floodgates.
His work as a statesman: Visvesvaraya served as the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. During his time as Diwan, he oversaw a period of rapid economic and social development in Mysore. He founded a number of educational institutions, including the University of Mysore, and he also promoted the development of industries such as iron and steel, soap, and textiles.
His contributions to society: Visvesvaraya was a committed social reformer. He was a strong advocate for education and economic development, and he also worked to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized. He founded a number of charities and social organizations, and he also wrote several books on social reform.

What did Visvesvaraya invent?

Visvesvaraya was a prolific inventor, and he is credited with inventing a number of devices and systems, including:

The Block System, a system of automated weir floodgates that prevent flooding.
The Khadakwasla Dam, the first dam in India to use the Block System.
The Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, the largest dam in Asia at the time of its construction.
The flood protection system for the city of Hyderabad.
The Visakhapatnam Port sea erosion protection system.
The Khadakvasla electric supply system, the first hydroelectric power plant in India.
The Godavari Barrage, a major irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh.
The Koyna Hydroelectric Project, the first major hydroelectric project in Maharashtra.
The Tungabhadra Dam, a major irrigation project in Karnataka.

Who is the father of dams in India?

The father of dams in India is Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. He was a civil engineer, administrator, and statesman who served as the 19th Dewan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.

Who got Bharat Ratna for engineers?

Only one Indian has been awarded the Bharat Ratna for their contributions to engineering. He is Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, who is also known as the "Father of Indian Engineering". He was a civil engineer, statesman, and Diwan of Mysore (1912–18). He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955 for his contributions to the development of India.

Who is the 1st engineer of India?

The first engineer of India is Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. He was born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli village in Karnataka. He was a civil engineer, statesman, and the 19th Diwan of Mysore, serving from 1912 to 1918. He is considered one of the greatest engineers of India and is often referred to as the "maker of modern Mysore".

Who is the father of dams?

There is no one definitive answer to the question of who is the "father of dams." However, two engineers who are often credited with making significant contributions to the development of dams are:

Harriet Strong: In 1887, Strong patented her invention of a system of dams and reservoirs for water storage and flood control. Her invention was the first to use a system of gates to control the flow of water, and it is considered to be a major breakthrough in dam design.
Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya: Visvesvaraya was an Indian civil engineer who played a key role in the development of dams in India. He was the chief engineer of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India. He also designed and patented a system of automatic weir water floodgates that are still used in dams today.

M. Visvesvaraya